Eagles’ Kennedy calls time on AFL career

Justin Chadwick | August 2, 2022

West Coast forward Josh Kennedy has announced he will retire after Sunday’s AFL clash with Adelaide at Optus Stadium.

Kennedy, who turns 35 later this month, says an ongoing knee issue was the main reason behind his decision to retire this year.

The 292-game veteran will be remembered as West Coast’s greatest ever forward, having booted 707 goals for the club.

He also kicked 11 goals across 22 games for Carlton in the first two years of his career.

“My knee is a big reason for retiring,” Kennedy said.

“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.

“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 decision to retire this week means he will skip the away western derby against Fremantle in round 22, and the final-round clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.

He ends his career as a three-time All-Australian, a dual Coleman medallist, and a premiership player.

“Josh is going to be one of the game’s greats and one of the club’s greats,” Eagles coach Adam Simpson said.

“What he’s done in my time at the club, it’s just been a pleasure to see and watch. Coleman Medals, the ability to stand up in big games. Clutch, not just goals, but clutch moments.

“I can remember the prelim against North Melbourne in 2015 where we were 20 points down, hadn’t scored a goal, and he took this contested mark 50m out and just rolled and slotted it.

“That just sums him up. He’s a big-game player, but he also loves his teammates and loves his club.”