It could not have been a better year for Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy, who produced a career-best season in 2012.

The 24-year-old took out the Sydney Swans’ Club Champion, the Bob Skilton Medal, with a record 877 votes, and claimed the award by more than 150 votes from runner-up, Ted Richards.

Kennedy, who played in every match, was also named in the 2012 All-Australian team and was one of the club’s most impressive and consistent performers in the charge toward the 2012 premiership.

Kennedy spoke to sydneyswans.com.au about his amazing year.

How did you sum up your season in 2012?

I think it’s been a pretty good season on an individual level and I think it’s been really consistent. I’ve had a real focus on trying to raise the bar on previous years and I thought I was able to do that. I think a lot of guys were able to do that and that was why we were able to achieve the success that we did.

You were named in the 2012 All-Australian team. Now that the season has finished, have you been able to reflect on that honour?

I still haven’t quite yet. I still haven’t had too much time to myself since the siren went (after the Grand Final) so I am looking forward to a couple of weeks later in October where I can just relax and have a bit of time to myself to think about it.

How far have the Swans come in the last 12 months?

I think it comes down to just a bit of improvement from everyone. I think our younger players have improved and our older, more experienced players are playing really well and some are in career-best form, so I think it just all came together at the right time.

Who have been some of the stand out performers for you this year?

I think probably Lewis Jetta, definitely. He’s shown glimpses in previous years, but to be able to maintain that for a long part of the season was good.

Reidy also just being able to hold down the centre-half forward position and provide the contests that he does down there is a great effort for someone so young.

Luke Parker, especially before he got injured, was also absolutely flying.

What areas do you think you can improve on next year?

It’s probably something I’ll think about when I get a little bit of time to myself and when I start thinking about getting back into pre-season, which hopefully is a while away!

What were some of the memorable moments from this year’s Grand Final?

I think first of all walking out onto the ground and hearing the crowd and the music, and then at three-quarter time breaking out from the huddle after Macca addressed us, I don’t think I’ll ever forget that moment.

Then, of course when the final siren went and just that feeling of relief more than anything that everything you’ve done starting from November or starting from when you were five years old kicking the football around that it has all counted for something.

Did you ever think you’d become a premiership player so soon?

I guess when I first came up (to Sydney) I just wanted to get a game. That was the most important thing and if it was just getting a game, then it would be nothing less than a good experience coming to Sydney and living away from home. But to be where I am now and part of such a strong group, it is surreal and is something I’m very thankful for.

What are your plans for the off-season?

Not too much. I’m just heading away with the boys and I’m going to have a bit of a quiet time, but nothing too major.