Sydney’s Josh Kennedy is planning to write his own chapter in his family’s rich AFL history in Saturday’s grand final against Hawthorn, the club that let him go.
The in-form midfielder comes up against the side with which his family’s name is synonymous with premiership success.
And while Kennedy said he respected and learned from what his grandfather and father achieved at the Hawks, he wants to write himself into Swans folklore.
“To play a grand final is something I have always dreamed of as a kid, I just have to try and soak it all up,” Kennedy said on Tuesday.
“These opportunities don’t come around very often.
“When you talk to people (they mention that), apart from probably my old man would not say the same.
“But I have this opportunity to fulfil a childhood dream.
“If I can do that it would be an amazing feeling and one I can carry with me for the rest of my life.
“So for me it is very much about me and the team and hopefully creating something special.”
After a playing career at Hawthorn that spanned 164 games, Kennedy’s grandfather, John Kennedy Sr, coached the club to their first flag in 1961 and subsequent premiership successes in 1971 and 1976.
His achievements are recognised with a statue outside Hawthorn’s training facilities at Waverley Park.
Josh Kennedy’s father, John Jr, won four premierships with Hawthorn in 1983, 1986, 1988 and 1989.
Hawthorn drafted Josh Kennedy under the father-son rule in 2006 before they traded him to the Swans ahead of the 2010 season.
He said he felt nothing to prove despite the Hawks squeezing him out.
“I think it is about just proving it to myself and I feel I have done that now,” he said.
“It’s just about trying to make the most of this opportunity with no regrets and enjoying the experience with my family and friends and everyone who has played a part in helping me get to where I am now.”
Kennedy said he had spoken with his grandfather, who had offered words of support despite his allegiance to Hawthorn.
“I know he is in a pretty tough predicament at the moment, so he will have to choose his words carefully,” he said.
“I know he has the utmost support for me personally, and I’m very thankful I have him alongside me.
“It’s a great feeling (to be playing in a grand final), it’s a great time of the year and I’m so happy to be part of it.”
