7. MATTHEW KENNEDY

THE curtain has been drawn on an unprecedented 2020 season for the Navy Blues.

Trading Ikon Park for 10 different hotel hubs across Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, it’s been a year we won’t soon forget.

With the final siren having rung on the final game, it’s time to look at those who featured in five or more games for Carlton or made their AFL debuts in 2020.
Here’s the year that was for Carlton’s Matthew Kennedy.


GAMES

2020: 7
Career: 48


GOALS

2020: 2
Career: 23


KEY AFL STATISTICS (averages in brackets):

Disposals: 113 (16.1) Marks: 26 (3.7) Contested possessions: 52 (7.3) Tackles: 20 (2.8) Clearances: 19 (2.6)


OVERVIEW

Impressing coaches with his commitment and consistent level of performance at reserves level, Matthew Kennedy earned a senior recall in Round 5 of this season.

Going on to make seven senior appearances for the year, hard work and determination paid off for Kennedy as he transitioned into an inside midfield role after featuring up forward in 2019.

Working well alongside Patrick Cripps and fellow ex-Giant Will Setterfield, Kennedy provided valuable support throughout the course of the season in his natural position.

A quad injury came at an inopportune time for Kennedy, who had played six consecutive games to that point. He returned to the senior fold in the final game of the season, impressing with 23 disposals and six clearances against flag favourites Brisbane.

BEST PERFORMANCE

Kennedy’s most complete performance came in Carlton’s narrow win against North Melbourne.

In conditions which suited his game, the midfielder started the match strongly, kicking a goal in the first five minutes before a second followed in the opening minutes of the following quarter.

With four AFLCA votes to his name, Kennedy combined his two goals with a solid midfield performance, accumulating 20 disposals and collecting eight marks around the ground.

It was a big influence in a game which ultimately saw the Blues hold on for a seven-point triumph.


SEASON HIGHLIGHTS

Upon his return to the AFL level for the season, Kennedy rewarded the faith shown in him by the selection committee with an impressive return to action. It was a return to his natural position which saw him get it done.

In the Round 6 win against the Western Bulldogs, Kennedy racked up 20 disposals, 11 contested possessions and three clearances: the second most for the team.

Brought into the side to provide some midfield support, Kennedy delivered on his return to the senior side, attending the third most centre bounces of any Carlton midfielder behind Ed Curnow and Patrick Cripps.

THEY SAID IT

Kennedy impressed Senior Coach David Teague with his work rate in the reserves matches to earn his AFL spot, using it as an example for the rest of those vying for selection.

“What we’ve said to the players is they have to earn their spots,” Teague said.

“We saw Matthew Kennedy had to work really hard to get an opportunity and he has responded to play some really good football for us.”