MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 25: Bombers fans listen to Bombers legend Kevin Sheedy as they gather for the Walk To The MCG during the round one AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Hawthorn Hawks at Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 25, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

The Bombers have named club legend Kevin Sheedy as the first Immortal of the Essendon Football Club at Saturday night's 150-year anniversary gala.

Sheedy, who was already made a Legend of the club in 2018, was bestowed the honour by club President Paul Brasher, who praised the 74-year-old's contribution to the Bombers over the years.

“Kevin’s passion, dedication, determination and pride in expanding Essendon from a suburban club to truly national sporting organisation has helped ensure the Essendon Football Club will remain a pre-eminent club long into the future,” Brasher said.

“We particularly acknowledge Kevin’s contribution in winning four VFL/AFL premierships as a coach, as well as his significant role in establishing annual marquee matches including Anzac Day, Dreamtime at the 'G and the Country Festival games.

“Importantly too, we recognise the influential role Kevin has had, and continues to, in developing and nurturing players of all backgrounds and cultures in his four decades of involvement at the Essendon Football Club.”

Sheedy coached the Bombers to 19 finals series during his time with the club, winning four premierships in 1984, 1985, 1993 and 2000. A 634 game coach at Essendon, Sheedy returned to the club as part of the board in 2020, now part of the review into the club's football operations.

In his playing days, Sheedy was a captain and three-time premiership player at Richmond. He played 251 games for the Tigers across 13 seasons.

Former Bombers Terry Daniher, Adam Ramanauskas and Gavin Wanganeen were also part of the award presentation alongside Brasher.