Kevin Sheedy is officially a legend at Essendon after being formally inducted into the AFL club's Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

Sheedy, who coached Essendon to four premierships in his 27 years at the helm, becomes the club's 17th Legend.

"From Alex McCracken and Bill Cookson through to the likes of Jack Clarke and Dick Reynolds - they have all made an enormous contribution club but it is arguable that none have had a greater impact than Kevin Sheedy," Essendon chairman Ray Horsburgh said.

"He is indeed a legend of this club and it is with great pleasure that we induct him into the Hall of Fame."

Sheedy was replaced as Essendon coach by Matthew Knights this year. The 1984, 85, 93 and 2000 premiership coach now holds an ambassadorial role with the AFL.

"In the end you have to say your dreams were pretty much fulfilled to be able to coach the team you barracked for at a young age," Sheedy said.

"I tried my hardest and I had a lot of fun and, in the end, personally, I would love to thank the club for giving me the chance of my life."

Sheedy joined Essendon in 1981 and coached the club for 635 games over 27 season.

"(Sheedy is) second only to (Collingwood's) Jock McHale in terms of games coached in AFL/VFL football," Horsburgh said.

"In 19 of his 27 seasons at the helm Essendon played in the finals.

"In many ways Kevin's contribution to this club off-field has been even more profound and he played an enormous role in nationalising the brand," Horsburgh told an audience of about 100.

"He took this club to places others had not dreamed of and engaged with people on all levels. The support this club has today across this country is a tribute to his energy and foresight.

"On top of this we have the Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the G games - they would not be the games they are today without the creativity and energy of Kevin Sheedy."

Under club policy, coaches and administrators can be inducted the year following their completion of service. Players need to have been retired for three years before being considered for induction.

At Sheedy's request, it was an intimate function that involved family, friends and the people that worked closely with him during his time as senior coach, the Bombers said in a statement.

The current 17 legends of the Essendon Football Club are: Bill Busbridge, John Coleman, Tom Fitzmaurice, Bill Hutchison, Dick Reynolds, Jack Clarke, Terry Daniher, Simon Madden, Tim Watson, Ken Fraser, Frank Reid, Albert Thurgood, Barry Davis, Bill Cookson, Alan Hird (Snr), Alex McCracken and Kevin Sheedy.

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