12 months ago, Matthew Kennedy told the Carlton Blues he wished to be traded out of the club after a seven-season stint at Ikon Park, citing a decrease in his midfield minutes as the reason for his desired exit.
The Baggers happily obliged, parting ways with the then-27-year-old for merely a second-round draft pick.
A year on, and things could not have aged more poorly for Carlton - and aged better Kennedy.
With early season injuries to the likes of Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar, Matthew Kennedy quickly solidified his role in the midfield, attending the majority of centre bounces. It would build momentum for a stellar first year in the blue, red and white, with Kennedy failing to register at least 20 disposals just twice this season, in addition to a career-high 21 goals and 6.1 score involvements per game.
Kennedy thrived in the Bulldogs culture, telling Bulldogs Media that the club's centenary fixture in Round 2 against Collingwood at the MCG was one of the two favourite contests he played in this year.
"It was only my second game for the club but it felt like I'd been around for a lot longer," Kennedy said of the club's milestone game.
"Walking into an environment and a culture that made me feel very much valued and appreciated was very lucky but to play for such a proud club in the Dogs [is a privilege].
"Beating the Blues was another [favourite], I enjoyed that."
Kennedy credited the depth of the Bulldogs' midfield group as keeping him accountable throughout the year as he entrenched himself firmly inside the Dogs' best 22 after a few years of sporadic senior opportunity at Carlton.
"As a player it's a bit easier when you're able to lock down a spot," Kennedy said.
"We've got a lot of depth in that midfield group... I really enjoyed working with them and it keeps you accountable as a player as well.
"Another thing that was helpful for me was the coaches and how good they were for me. To be able to learn off some of the best players in the game too, in terms of stoppage craft in Liberatore and Bontempelli and Ed Richards."
While Carlton fans perhaps aren't too upset with Harry O'Farrell, who they selected with that second-round pick in the Kennedy deal, it's clear that Kennedy was right to demand more midfield action from Michael Voss in 2024.
The 28-year-old looks set to acheive another dominant campaign for Footscray in 2026 as one of the game's most versatile midfield options as the club eyes a bounce back campaign following an agonising ninth-place finish this year.
