Coaching great Kevin Sheedy has led eight inductees for the AFL Hall of Fame but Wayne Carey will have to wait.

On the night Alex Jesaulenko was elevated from Hall of Fame member to official legend status, Carey was the notable non-selection.

The two-time North Melbourne premiership player, arguably the greatest player of the modern era, became eligible this year for nomination.

On the basis of his football career alone, he would be an automatic inductee, but the Hall of Fame selection panel can also refer to a candidate's character.

Carey's turbulent private life - he is facing criminal charges in Australia and the United States - means the selectors will make him wait for the honour.

The same applied to Geelong star Gary Ablett, who was finally inducted in 2005.

The debate about whether Carey should become a Hall of Fame member immediately was the major talking point ahead of this year's dinner.

There was no such controversy about Sheedy and the other seven inductees - Collingwood's much-loved player Gavin Brown, hard-nosed Geelong midfielder Garry Hocking, West Coast's two-time premiership half-back Glen Jakovich, Brownlow Medallist Noel Teasdale, former Collingwood captain Des Tuddenham, Port Adelaide star Geof Motley and long-time Queensland umpire Tom McArthur.

Motley played in an incredible nine premiership sides for the SANFL Magpies.

While Carey was not inducted, there was a strong connection to him because of Jakovich.

The Eagles key defender was arguably the only player who could consistently match and even beat Carey when the centre half-forward was at his peak.

Jesaulenko was among the original inductees in 1996 and he became the 22nd man to receive legend status.

The four-time Carlton premiership player was playing for the Blues in the 1970 grand final against arch-rivals Collingwood when he produced one of the most famous moments in VFL-AFL history.

The brilliant utility took a towering mark over Magpies ruckman Graeme "Jerker" Jenkin, prompting television commentator Mike Williamson to yell the immortal line: "Jesaulenko, you beauty!".

Jesaulenko played in four Carlton premiership sides, including 1970, and was playing coach in the '79 flag win, again over Collingwood.

He played 279 games for the Blues and St Kilda between 1967-81 and kicked 444 goals.

Jesaulenko was captain-coach and non-playing coach at the two clubs.

He also made the AFL and Carlton teams of the century.

Essendon controversially decided last year not to extend Sheedy's tenure as coach after an astonishing 27 years in the role.

He coached the Bombers to four premierships and this week is Victorian assistant coach for Saturday night's Hall Of Fame tribute match against the composite Dream Team at the MCG.

Sheedy is one of the most influential figures in the game's history and has hero status among indigenous Australians.

His strong promotion of indigenous players and his frequent visits to the Top End were pivotal in changing racial attitudes within the game.

Sheedy's quirky personality and his love of left-field ideas have made him a long-time media favourite.

Before Sheedy's coaching established him as one of the game's all-time greats, Sheedy had an outstanding playing career at Richmond.

The self-described "back-pocket plumber" played 251 games for the Tigers between 1967-79, including three premierships, and was named in the club's team of the century.

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