Josh Kennedy

AFL career Hawthorn (2008–2009) In mid-2006 it was announced that he would be recruited in the 2006 AFL draft by the Hawthorn Football Club for the 2007 season, under the father–son rule. Kennedy made his debut for the club in round nine of the 2008 season. He played 2 further games in his debut season, and 10 the following season, but was traded to Sydney at the end of the 2009 season, along with Ben McGlynn, with Hawthorn receiving draft picks 39, 46, and 70 in exchange.

Sydney (2010–2022) In late 2009, Kennedy was offered a three-year deal by the Sydney Swans. Kennedy accepted the offer. He was traded to the Swans along with teammate Ben McGlynn for 2009 AFL draft picks 39, 46 and 70. Kennedy finished 3rd in the Sydney Swans Best & Fairest, behind winner Kieren Jack and runner-up Shane Mumford. Kennedy was also awarded the Paul Roos Award for best player in the finals series.

Kennedy followed up his impressive debut year in Sydney with another very consistent season in 2011. Despite a relatively slow start, Kennedy hit top form in the 2nd half of the year to finish equal 2nd with Rhyce Shaw in the Bob Skilton Medal (behind winner Adam Goodes). Kennedy further enhanced his growing reputation around the league with 2 more impressive performances in the Swans' finals games against St.Kilda and Hawthorn.

Kennedy had his most consistent year in 2012 earning himself his first All-Australian team selection. Kennedy won the Brett Kirk Medal in round one. Kennedy polled in equal eighth place in the Brownlow Medal, with 19 votes - the most of any Sydney player. He played in Sydney's Grand Final winning team, where he had 26 disposals and kicked two goals. He also won the Sydney Best & Fairest (Bob Skilton Medal) with (877) votes to win by a massive 172 votes from 2nd Ted Richards (705) and 3rd Ryan O'Keefe (701), managing to consistently poll votes in each round.

Kennedy's 2015 season was rewarded with his second Bob Skilton Medal. He won the best and fairest for the second consecutive year in 2016.

In 2016, Kennedy won his 3rd All-Australian selection, 3rd Bob Skilton Medal and was awarded the inaugural Gary Ayres Award for best player in the 2016 finals series.

On 9 December 2016, Kennedy was named the new captain of the club, taking over from previous co-captains Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh. He finished third in the 2017 Brownlow Medal, polling more votes than any other Sydney player.

On 25 June 2020, Kennedy played his 250th AFL game against the Western Bulldogs at the Sydney Cricket Ground; his grandfather John Kennedy Sr. died one day before the game, aged 91.

On 8 August 2022, Kennedy announced that he would retire at the conclusion of the season.

On Saturday 26th April 2025, Kennedy will play for his old school club, Xavier College against Haileybury in a return to football.

Statistics Updated to the end of 2022.

290 !! 157 !! 151 !! 3169 !! 4203 !! 7372 !! 797 !! 1488 !! 0.5 !! 0.5 !! 10.9 !! 14.5 !! 25.4 !! 2.7 !! 5.1 !! 146