A second Western Australian football titan has retired in as many days.
Legendary West Coast forward Josh Kennedy has announced he will play his 293rd and final match on Sunday against Adelaide at Perth Stadium.
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The 34-year-old is already the Eagles’ greatest goalkicker with 704, on top of being a dual Coleman medallist, leading West Coast’s goalkicking seven times and being an All-Australian on three occasions.
He was also a pivotal member of the Eagles’ thrilling 2018 grand final triumph over Collingwood under coach Adam Simpson.
Kennedy played the first 22 games of his AFL career for Carlton after being the No.4 pick in the 2005 draft before being traded home in a blockbuster deal that made midfield superstar Chris Judd a Blue.
West Coast also secured in that trade the draft pick used on midfielder and premiership player Chris Masten.
Kennedy’s extraordinary achievements and longevity for the Eagles mean most people believe they won that trade despite Judd being a mammoth loss at the time.
Sunday’s match will be his 271st for West Coast, breaking a deadlock with ex-teammate and defender Darren Glass and moving him into fourth spot at the club, behind only Glen Jakovich (276), Dean Cox (290) and Shannon Hurn (317 games and counting).
“It’s been a privilege to play so many years at this great football club and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent the West Coast Eagles and Carlton,” Kennedy said.
“There are so many people to thank for helping me on the journey over 17 years. Obviously, my wife Lauren and daughters Sage and Lottie, my family who always supported me, coaches John Worsfold and Adam Simpson, club staff and, of course, my teammates.
“Footy and the West Coast Eagles have given me so much and I’ve loved the journey. I’ve made lifelong friendships and learnt so much from champions like Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn and Mark LeCras.”
Kennedy said the biggest motivation in his 17-season career was earning his teammates’ respect and that drove how he “acted, trained or tried to play”.
“My knee is a big reason for retiring. I think my drive to play is still there, but I’m realistic my body is not going to be able to take me to another season,” he said.
“To be able to farewell West Coast supporters one last time at Optus Stadium and say thank you for the incredible support over the years will be the perfect way to finish my career.”
Kennedy’s retirement follows Fremantle great David Mundy announcing on Monday that he will end his career at season’s end.
Port Adelaide’s Steven Motlop also retired on Tuesday morning.
Originally published as Legendary West Coast forward Josh Kennedy announces AFL retirement after glittering career for Eagles
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