Kevin Sheedy is hospitalised after being struck down with a mystery illness

AFL legend Kevin Sheedy has been admitted to hospital after being struck down with a mystery illness while on holiday.

The 76-year-old man was visiting family on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast when he fell ill and required urgent medical attention.

Sheedy is believed to have been in hospital for several days.

His wife Geraldine Sheedy confirmed the news in a statement on Sunday evening.

“Kevin was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast when he developed a fever and sought medical attention,” she said.

He has now been admitted to hospital to undergo tests to determine the cause of the problem.

‘Like all athletes, he would rather not sit on the bench and is looking forward to returning to Melbourne as soon as possible and resuming his duties.’

Sheedy announced earlier this year that he would step down as a director of the Essendon Football Club board at the end of the season.

The four-time Essendon Premiership coach returned to the club in 2020 to join the board, hoping to help the club rebuild their football program.

During his tenure, Sheedy appointed a new senior coach, chief executive and general manager of football, and also helped implement a crucial external appraisal system,

Sheedy said he left the club in excellent hands.

“I was happy to help when Paul Brasher asked me in 2020, and I have always done everything I can to help this club. This will never stop,” he said at the time.

“I am confident that under the leadership of CEO Craig Vozzo and coach Brad Scott, we are on track for success.

‘We have become a football club again, where ultimately it is all about winning matches and making our members and supporters proud with everything we do.’

Sheedy played 251 games for the Richmond Tigers over 13 seasons, winning the championship three times.

Between 1981 and 2007 he coached Essendon for 634 games, winning four championships.

He was also the first coach of the GWS Giants for the 2012–13 season.