In his final year of college football with Central Michigan, Sheldon was facing off against Maine in just the fourth game of the regular season.
While on the other side of the world, Kyabram were left stunned by Shepparton as they lost first game in three years.
Now 12 months later, the 23-year-old has returned to Australia and helped the juggernaut return to the top of the Goulburn Valley League mountain.
With places in Kyabram's senior side hard to come by, Sheldon was forced to bide his time and wait for his opportunity - playing four of his first six games in the reserves.
But when he returned to the senior side in round 16 against Euroa there was no looking back.
“I got back about halfway and I was lucky enough to lock down a back pocket position in the end,” Sheldon said.
“It’s the first time I’ve got to play with my brother and cousin so it makes the day a lot more special. Tommy and Tim are my best mates.”
While Sheldon was savoring the moment with family, he said the entire playing group felt like they had known each other forever.
“These are the best bunch of blokes I've ever come across,” he said.
“I had never played at Ky before I came home and it was like I had been here my whole life that’s how much they welcome me with open arms.
“From (coach) Paul (Newman) to the trainers and supporters you couldn’t ask for a better environment to play footy in.”
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