Essendon icon Kevin Sheedy is leading efforts to have Australian Rules Football (AFL) included in the 2032 Olympic Games in Brisbane. Although this wouldn’t mark a first for the sport—AFL was showcased in an exhibition match during the 1956 Melbourne Olympics—Sheedy sees the upcoming Games as an ideal opportunity to reintroduce AFL to a global audience.
Sheedy, renowned for orchestrating iconic events like the Dreamtime and Anzac Day matches, has proposed an exhibition game that would bring together the season’s All-Australian team. While the current All-Australian squad consists of 44 players reflecting the sport’s best talent, they rarely have the chance to compete together. Sheedy argues that the Olympics provide a perfect platform for a high-profile All-Star game, enhancing the visibility of Australian Rules Football on the international stage.
At a recent function hosted by the Sports Australia Hall of Fame, Sheedy expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’d love to see AFL represented at the 2032 Olympics. Currently, we have 50 outstanding players who don’t even get to play together. That’s simply not adequate.”
He has garnered support from Olympic gold medallist Steve Hooker, who emphasised the significance of AFL, calling it “our most iconic sport” and expressing a desire to see it featured at the Olympics.
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon has also shown interest in the proposal. He conveyed optimism about the potential to highlight what he regards as the premier sport in Australia on such a prominent global platform.
Sheedy’s credentials speak volumes; having played 251 games for Richmond during the 1960s and 70s, he transitioned into coaching, leading Essendon for 634 matches and achieving significant success with four premierships. His vision for the 2032 Olympics could lead to a revitalised interest in the sport both locally and internationally, further solidifying the AFL’s status as a quintessentially Australian pastime.