LOUD.
That's how Matthew Kennedy describes games in front of Bluebaggers.
Arriving at IKON Park in the 2017 off-season, Kennedy had experienced a few lean years when it came to both personal and team form.
However, now fit and firing with lockdowns at an end, Kennedy is starting to realise the magnitude of what he's involved in at the Carlton Football Club.
"To be honest, every game we’ve played in this year has felt like there’s been 50,000-plus every week," Kennedy said.
"When I came across from the Giants, we were struggling and also personally, I was struggling a fair bit and then Covid happened.
"I probably didn’t get the full experience of the Carlton Football Club and how big of a Club and crowd it was. But certainly now, we're starting to get a few wins and it's awesome to see the crowds come to the ground and seeing how much it means to all of the supporters and past players.
"I’m starting to now get a feel for how big this Club is."
Finding his feet in the AFL side, Kennedy has been a staple of the midfield for the Blues in 2022, supporting Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh alongside new recruits George Hewett and Adam Cerra.
Gaining a career-high 33 disposals in Round 1 against Richmond, Kennedy started his season off with a bang, looking to solidify his spot in a star-studded midfield — he has done just that.
The midfield bull is averaging 25 disposals and five clearances a game so far in 2022, admitting that having kept his spot has given him the mental energy to produce improved, consistent football.
"[Before this year], I was probably more of a fringe player so I would always worry in games about how I was going during the game, if I was doing the right thing by the team every second of the game," he said.
"I was crowded in my head with so many thoughts that I wasn’t able to play footy. It’s so tough and quick, if you’re worrying about all those little things, you don’t have the freedom to play on instincts.
"You need to play on instincts to be quick enough and good enough at the elite level: I was definitely a bit of a worrier but I sought a bit of help from Tarah, our Club's Psychologist, and she’s been really great for me and my development."
On the midfield group itself, Kennedy has been happy to see how the group has connected as well as seeing the younger crop put the heat on at VFL level.
Championing each other's successes and not worrying about individual efforts is a hallmark of the midfielder's game, making sure everyone feels valued and plays their role.
"We’ve still got a lot of boys in the VFL producing a lot of good football as well: Paddy Dow is in red-hot form and has been all year, Will Setterfield is playing some really good footy... there’s a lot of depth there," he said.
"The thing I’m enjoying the most about this midfield group is how we’ve worked all pre-season and even in-season, and we’re just genuinely happy for everyone’s success.
"We know you can’t go out and dominate every week, but whoever’s turn it is to get rewarded on game day, we’re happy for them and we’re playing a role for each other."
While the contest has been one of the strongest part of Carlton's game in the first half of the year, the Blues struggled against the Tigers in Round 14 to get the job done around the middle.
Kennedy acknowledged this and noted that the group went away and worked on their strengths, coming in with a better mindset to face Fremantle last weekend.
"I think we went away from the hunt and contest a couple of weeks ago but I think on the weekend, it was really pleasing," he said.
"We got challenged a bit throughout the week from 'Vossy' to really nail our role and that is being strong and hard in the contest.
"I’m enjoying working hard with those boys and hopefully getting the rewards in the future."
