A big game player. Champion. Leader. Consistent. Quality. These are just some of the words that have been used to describe Josh Kennedy today, after the former captain announced he will retire at the end of the season.
It comes after 290 AFL games over 16 massive seasons at the highest level.
The 2012 Premiership player will depart the game as a three-time All Australian, three-time Sydney Swans Club Champion and sixth on Sydney’s all-time games list.
The 34-year-old told teammates of his decision on Tuesday afternoon. With wife Ana and children Emilio and Isabella by his side, an emotional Kennedy said the time is right.
"It is with a heavy heart but a whole lot of gratitude that I make this announcement today," Kennedy said.
"I want to take the opportunity to thank everyone at the club. The overarching sentiment I want to leave is one of gratitude - I am grateful to Alistair Clarkson and Hawthorn for the opportunity, and to the Sydney Swans for believing in me.
"I'm eternally grateful to the football club, the players past and present, the support staff that make the club great from the board level down, and of course all the fans and supporters over the journey who have supported me and the team and made me feel very special to belong to such a great club."
Drafted as a father-son selection by Hawthorn in 2006, Kennedy was traded to the Harbour City as a 21-year-old and made his debut for the Swans in 2010.
Over his 13 years in red and white Kennedy’s many accolades include being captain of the club for four seasons (2017-2020), two Brett Kirk Medals for best on ground in the Sydney Derby and finishing third overall in the 2014 and 2017 Brownlow Medal counts.
Known for his work rate and contested ball, Kennedy thrived in the big games, winning the Gary Ayres Award in 2016 for best finals player.
He finishes his career with the highest number of contested possessions in the history of the AFL, and second in all-time clearances.
Sydney Swans coach John Longmire paid tribute to Kennedy, describing him as the ultimate big-game player.
"On behalf of the footy club I just want to thank Josh for what he has contributed to this place over the past 13 years. He's been a significant contributor for such a long period of time.
"One of the things we said to the players was you probably don't understand how much of a champion has been running beside you at training, preparing in the gym and sitting next to you in meetings, because he's so humble. That's just who he is.
"But it really hits you when you see how many times he has finished in the top three in our Club Champion ... he has sat comfortably among some of the all-time greats throughout his career. He's been a great player, a great confidant, a great friend and a terrific captain."
Kennedy said returning to play remains a "hope" this season, and he remains determined to continue doing everything he can to help the team for remainder of the year.
Josh Kennedy
290 AFL games (277 Sydney, 13 Hawthorn)
6th in all-time games Sydney (277 games)
157 goals
Drafted: 2006 Round 3, Pick #40 (Father/Son)
Debut: Round 9, 2008 v Melbourne
Swans Debut: Round 1, 2010 v St Kilda
Premiership player 2012
3x Club Champion 2012, 2015, 2016
3x All Australian 2012, 2014, 2016
Sydney Swans Captain 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
2x Brett Kirk Medal 2012, 2015
Sydney Swans Best Clubman 2020
4x Swans Players’ Player (2012, 2015, 2016, 2017)
4x Swans Best in Finals (2010, 2013, 2015, 2016)
Gary Ayres Award 2016
