Coaching great Kevin Sheedy has signed a three-year deal to coach West Sydney that will see him lead the team in its first year in the AFL in 2012.

Sheedy, 61, coached Essendon for 27 seasons – including four premierships - before being replaced by Matthew Knights at the end of 2007.

"I am really excited by the challenge. Clearly Western Sydney is a compelling opportunity for the game," Sheedy said.

"We should have a club here, but we have work to do to make sure we can show it will have the business, community and sporting support."

"I think I have a lot to offer and can play a strong role across a range of areas to give this club the best chance of being granted a license by the AFL Commission."

"What a fantastic opportunity for a 61-year-old Australian to be offered this position."

Sheedy played 251 games with Richmond between 1967 and 1979.

He has worked as an AFL ambassador for the past two years.

Sheedy said he was excited by the role Team GWS could play in bringing people together in rugby league heartland in Blacktown.

"Being involved in a sporting team that is seeking to achieve on the field and in the community by improving harmony, health, education and jobs across this region is something that really gets me going," Sheedy said.

"I know the impact AFL can have in communities. I also know the impact the community can have on shaping the AFL."

"When we launched Team GWS, I compared an AFL team in Western Sydney to the Sydney Opera House. Many thought the Opera House couldn't or shouldn't be built but it is now one of the icons of Australia, not just of Sydney."

"Yes, it is a challenge to build an AFL team in Greater Western Sydney but in 20 or 25 years people will be glad we did."

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou said Sheedy's appointment was highly significant in marketing the game in the NSW capital.

"This is a generational decision and the success of AFL in Greater Western Sydney won't be known for 25 or 30 years but with a population of two million people, the AFL is serious about this venture and today's appointment of one of the biggest names in AFL demonstrates our commitment to this region," Demetriou, who was unable to attend the press conference, said in a statement.

"The AFL has identified the Greater West of Sydney as a priority for expansion and Team GWS needs to demonstrate that it can build support and connect with the community."

"Kevin Sheedy has been a success as a player and coach and is without peer when it comes to engaging new communities in our game."