AFL legends Kevin Sheedy and Terry Daniher named in racism class action

Kevin Sheedy and Terry Daniher are among the footy figures named in a bombshell class action against the AFL.

As first reported by The Herald Sun, a Supreme Court statement of claim has been lodged on behalf of former AFL and VFL players who experienced racial vilification, harassment or humiliation on the basis of race between 1975 and 2022.

Former Kangaroos players Jimmy Krakouer and Phil Krakouer lodged the statement with claims they suffered from acts of vile racism.

According to the statement, the Krakouer brothers were called “petrol sniffers”, “a**s” and “n*****s” in the 1980s.

Among the other figures mentioned in the statement are Essendon and Brisbane great Roger Merrett, Carlton premiership winner Wayne Johnston and two-time Bombers premiership winner Bill Duckworth.

Sheedy has told News Corp: “I have always had the utmost respect for all First Nations players who have played our great game,” the four-time Essendon premiership coach said.

“My track record stands for itself in this regard, and these allegations made against me are totally inaccurate, are hurtful and I look forward to defending myself vehemently against them.”

The explosive class action comes at a time when the AFL is still reeling from the ongoing Human Rights Commission action being taken as a result of the Hawthorn racism scandal.

The new class action will reportedly be open to hundreds of former AFL players seeking compensation as a result of racial vilification they may have suffered while playing in the AFL.

The AFL has denied the claims.

“We fully acknowledge during our long history of the game there has been racism in Australian Football and that players have been marginalised, hurt or discriminated against because of their race and for that we have apologised and continue to apologise and will continue to act to address that harm,” the league said.

“While we work through the class action, we will continue our ongoing work against racism and discrimination with our clubs, our players, our staff and our supporters to promote football environments at all levels around the country that are safe and respectful for all.

“We do not agree with the claims that the VFL/AFL has been conducted negligently over the past 47 years and we will defend those claims.”

Among the claims made by the brothers is that they needed security guards to help them leave football grounds when playing in the VFL because they were being abused and spat on by spectators.

Jimmy Krakouer also alleges he was hit by a beer can thrown by a spectator.

Sheedy, meanwhile, who still has a seat on the Essendon board of directors, has the full support of the football club.

“The club acknowledges the court action taken by Phil Krakouer against the AFL which includes allegations of incidents of racism during his playing career in the 1980s,” the Bombers said in a statement.

“No individual should be subject to racism, discrimination or any form of vilification, on or off the field. We must continue to learn and reflect on the past to ensure our game is free of any form of racism or discrimination.

“The club has a history of advocacy for First Nations People, which has been led by Kevin Sheedy, who was instrumental in making a stand against racism in 1995 alongside Michael Long, which led to the introduction of the Peek Rule.

“Throughout his career Kevin has championed the causes of First Nations footballers, never more so than through his role in the establishment of “Dreamtime at the G”, a celebration of First Nations peoples and cultures.

“As a director of the club, Kevin has strenuously denied the allegation in the court action that refers to him and the club will continue to support him and the past Essendon players that are also referred to in the Court Action.

“Whilst this is an on-going court action, the club will respect the legal process and won’t be making any further comment at this time.

“The club’s thoughts are with First Nations peoples who continue to experience unacceptable levels of racism. We encourage those needing support to reach out to their local Aboriginal Community Health Service.”

Sheedy is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame and was elevated to legend status in 2018.