While the Swans led at every change, the team struggled to convert in front of goal, kicking 16.20 for the match - including 4.10 in an otherwise dominant second quarter - and were unable to break clear from a gallant Melbourne side.
Kennedy, who notched up his 100th AFL game in Sunday’s clash, told SwansTV that Sunday’s match highlighted areas the Swans would need to work on ahead of next weekend’s Derby IV against GWS.
“It was a really tough game and they kept coming at us throughout the whole course of the game,” Kennedy said after the match.
“We thought we got a run on and then they kicked back, so it was a tough game but it was good to get the win.
“There were aspects of our game which were really good but we probably could have hit the scoreboard a little bit more or kicked straighter, or probably nullified their impact once inside (their) 50, but we’re happy to get the four points in the end.
“We’ve just got to work on our processes and tweak a few things from today and work on them during the week and make sure we’re ruthless in our preparation and performance.”
While Sam Reid’s return to the field was cut short with the forward being subbed off with a quad injury early in the first quarter, Kennedy praised the performance of ruckman Shane Mumford, who was also making his return to the field this week.
Kennedy said that Mumford, who had 31 hit outs and five tackles, was a welcome inclusion for the Swans this week following two weeks on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.
“Certainly from my point of view it’s great to have him back,” Kennedy said.
“He gave it to me on a platter a few times and he had a really big impact around the ground, so it was great to have him back.”
The Swans’ youth brigade was again on show in Sunday’s match, with Brandon Jack kicking four goals after being substituted on for Reid, while fellow young gun Tom Mitchell collected 27 disposals and kicked a goal.
Kennedy said Brandon’s performance, in just his third senior match, was the perfect example of a young player taking his chances on field.
“They’re working really hard and Brandon is the epitome of that and he had his opportunity and really relished it,” he said.
At the other end of the field Swans’ utility Andrejs Everitt continued his good form, providing some strong run off the half back and kicking a brilliant early goal.
Speaking to SwansTV after the match, Everitt said he was enjoying his chance to play in defence alongside co-captain Jarrad McVeigh and senior defender Nick Malceski.
“It’s good working with Mal and Macca up as a high half-back and I’m there to use my speed and my skill, so if I can just keep trying to do that, then hopefully I can keep stringing a few games together and push for finals,” he said.
Click here to watch Andrejs Everitt's post match interview with SwansTV in the MCG rooms after Sunday's win over Melbourne
“That’s why (McVeigh) is our captain – he’s good to learn off and he knows where to go and is in the right spots and provides great feedback.
“In terms of us three working together, it’s pretty hard to stop all three of us running off the half back flank.”
