Former GWS midfielder Adam Kennedy has linked up with Victorian club Melton for 2026 as the inaugural Giant returns to the field for the first time since last year.
Kennedy didn't feature at any level in 2025, instead taking up a role with Sydney as a development coach.
The 33-year-old last played AFL football two years ago, with an ACL injury curtailing his 2023 campaign.
He would spend 2024 in the VFL, playing eight games at the level in his return from the long layoff.
Kennedy departed the Giants at the end of that year, finishing up with 153 games in the orange and charcoal after being recruited out of Victoria in 2011 ahead of GWS's first season in the AFL.
Looking to balance his time with his commitments with the Swans, Kennedy will aim to pull on the boots for Melton in the Ballarat Football Netball League next year.
"We are absolutely thrilled in 2026 we will see the return of one of Melton's finest – Adam Kennedy," a club statement read.
"After a stellar AFL career with the GWS Giants, playing over 150 games at the elite level, Adam is currently a development coach with the Sydney Swans and when fixtures align will be able to don the Bloods jumper with his childhood mates where it all began.
"A proud Melton junior, Adam's journey from our local footy fields to the big stage has been nothing short of inspirational.
"He adds experience, leadership, and passion to the club and Bloods community that helped shape him.
"Adam will continue to support our footy program, sharing his insights into leadership, game style, and high-performance culture – and yes, we will see him in the Bloods jumper again."
After a fourth-placed finish, Melton reached the third week of finals before bowing out to Sunbury.
