Josh Kennedy goes down as West Coast’s greatest ever goal kicker, but it’s the veteran’s humility and class that has won praise from his opposition for more than a decade.
After being chaired from the ground on Sunday, as his eight goals fell just short of dragging West Coast to victory over Adelaide, Kennedy then showed why he is one of the game’s most humble stars.
Kennedy turned back to the Crows and then took the time to shake hands with every player and staff member who joined the Eagles in forming the guard of honour.
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The “classy act” just epitomises the Eagles’ great who bows out after 293 games and 723 goals – with a premiership, three All Australian jumpers and two Coleman Medals.
And he remained humble through his final press conference too.
“The boys fed me a fair bit. There was probably a lot of ball that came my way that it shouldn’t have,” he said.
“There was a few times pre game, at half time and at the end there where there were moments you know it’s finishing.
“I love being a part of those games, whether you win or lose, I love being a part of those close games.”
Kennedy admitted to feeling nervous in the match and a “little numb” after departing the Optus Stadium turf for the final time, in front of more than 50,000 fans.
“It’s interesting finishing your last game for a while. I’ve never experienced it,” he said.
“You (coach Adam Simpson) were probably yelling in the box but someone handballed over to Boots (Shuey) and he was shoulders out, he had JD (Darling) long inside 50 but he looked inboard to try and handball to me and Liam (Ryan) ended up stuffing the kick.
“I just thought, ‘boys let’s chill. We need to win this game. Let’s not focus on me’.”
Kennedy even overcame the emotion of losing his best friend’s nana, whose funeral was just days ago, and a woman who helped him as a kid in Northampton.
“She grew us all up back in Northampton. She loved the Eagles. It was a special one for her,” he said.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson was full of praise for Kennedy’s performance in his final match.
“Can you imagine kicking eight in your last game?” he laughed.
“Unfortunately in that last bit we couldn’t get the four points. But outside that, we tried our hardest.”
Even pre-game Kennedy was at his humble best, stating he just wanted a win for the boys.
“I don’t care if I don’t get a kick, I just want to win and to sing the song one more time in here,” he said.
With his final address as an Eagles player, Kennedy took the time to thank the fans for bringing a “tear to the eye”.
“We as footballers, we’re out there to perform and it feels sometimes, I reckon the consensus is we give a lot to the fans, but they give us so much. They make our game great,” he said.
“They are the reason why we play football.
“And it’s not just home ground – all the fans of the AFL.
“I’ve been so lucky in my carer … it brings a tear to my eye. I can’t thank them enough.”