Matthew Kennedy

From overlooked to undeniable: Kennedy justifies Bulldogs’ trade gamble

The last trade of the 2024 period was centred around Bailey Smith, but the Bulldogs’ bold play has seen returns come back ten-fold, and the stats prove it.

Published by

Aidan Cellini

The Western Bulldogs were largely criticised for their dealings in last year's mega trade that saw Bailey Smith and Jack Macrae depart, but 10 weeks into the 2025 season could see that thought revisited.

Involving Geelong, St Kilda and Carlton, the Bulldogs essentially gave up two established players for Pick 17 and Matthew Kennedy, who despite playing every game for the Blues in 2024, explored a move for more midfield opportunity.

Ironically, the Whitten Oval club posed as a more difficult on-ball brigade to break into, with Marcus Bontempelli, Adam Treloar, Tom Liberatore and Ed Richards claiming key roles.

The list also included Ryley Sanders, James Harmes and Harvey Gallagher.

"I really liked what 'Bevo' said. We have a very strong midfield group, so he didn't promise me a spot on the midfield or in the team. He said there's opportunity for a bit of depth if you want to come across and try earn a spot," Kennedy said in an interview with Fox Footy following the Round 3 win over Carlton.

But fast forward to Round 10, and the mega-deal sits more than comfortably among the Bulldogs faithful. Admittedly, Bailey Smith is playing career-best football, but after spending 12 months on the sidelines with an ACL injury, and grumbles around his desire to remain at the Whitten Oval, a fresh start for both parties made sense.

Macrae's move to Moorabbin has been fruitful for Ross Lyon's side, while opening a vacancy in the forward-midfield group for Beveridge has seen Sanders emerge in his second season.

Kennedy's name, albeit in his 10th AFL campaign and at his third club, was seemingly dismissed in the four-side trade. How wrong that'd be.

The former Giant and Blue has enjoyed his time in the tri colours, splitting his job in the midfield and up forward, a role that he begged for under Michael Voss.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Matthew Kennedy of the Blues looks to pass the ball during the round two AFL match between Carlton Blues and Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 23, 2023, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

"It did really end on good terms because he was really honest and upfront with me and where he saw my position in the side," Kennedy said.

"Sort of thought maybe my opportunity was elsewhere, he didn't kick me out the door or anything."

According to WheeloRatings, Kennedy is the 24th highest-rated player in the competition, averaging 14.78 player rating points across his 10 games.

A key reason for that has been his attendance at centre bounces, which currently sits at 64.8 per cent under Beveridge.

It should be noted that this number is likely to be skewed in the 28-year-old's favour, with injuries to Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar playing a significant part in the midfield reshuffle.

Kennedy's new role has also seen him hit the scoreboard more frequently, slotting 11 goals so far. The most he's kicked in a season is 16.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 21: Matthew Kennedy of the Bulldogs takes possession of the ball during the round two AFL match between Footscray Bulldogs (Western Bulldogs) and Collingwood Magpies at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 21, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

The ripple effect the hard-nosed former Pick 13 has had on the Bulldogs can not be understated.

Kennedy's team-first style of play allows Richards, Bontempelli and dashing defenders Bailey Dale and Joel Freijah to thrive offensively.

The Bulldogs captain, although only playing five games, has dramatically reduced his midfield time from previous years due to the presence of Kennedy, helping fill the void of Sam Darcy and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan.

The Pick 17 that joined Kennedy at the Whitten Oval in the four-club deadline trade shouldn't be downplayed, which was subsequently pushed back to 20 due to father-son, Northern Academy and NGA selections, and turned into bullocking midfielder Cooper Hynes.

A strong-bodied forward-midfielder from the Dandenong Stingrays, Hynes oozes leadership and has creativity, power and clean hands as some of his listed strengths. His father, John, was also a Carlton player, featuring in four matches.

The 19-year-old debuted in Round 5 against Brisbane, and played the two weeks following against St Kilda and GWS, starting as the sub.

It is fitting that Thursday's clash between the Bulldogs and Geelong comes at this stage of the season.

Smith's incredible form, and media jabs at his former club, has added theatre to the contest, while the subsequent return serve from Bontempelli only fueled the fire moreso.

The 24-year-old could expect some attention from those he shared a locker room with in previous years, but Kennedy could be sent to the in-form midfielder to curb his influence, making for a nice piece of irony.

Published by

Aidan Cellini

4 weeks ago