Josh J. Kennedy

Pair of Victorian clubs encouraged to chase retired Eagle Josh Kennedy: AFL trade news

“I’d be trying to get this guy out of retirement.”

Published by
Will Jeffares

Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes has urged premiership contenders Melbourne and Collingwood to lure recently retired Eagle Josh Kennedy out of retirement for next season.

In his final game for the Eagles on Sunday after announcing his retirement, Kennedy slotted eight goals in a memorable display to end his outstanding career - the equal second-most goals kicked in a player's final game in VFL/AFL history.

However, speaking on Channel 9's Footy Classified, Cornes believes that the clubs should be making pitches for the 34-year-old to play again in 2023.

In recent weeks, Melbourne's key forward set-up has been of much discussion with the likes of Tom McDonald injured, and Sam Wiedeman, Ben Brown and Mitch Brown coming in and out of the side, causing some issues in their offensive ability of late.

"If I was a Melbourne or a Collingwood I'd be trying to get this guy out of retirement, look at what he did (against Adelaide)," Cornes said.

"Sell it to him - you don't have to train until January, we're going to pay you a good contract for two years, you'll play 16-17 games for that year.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JULY 22: Josh Kennedy of the Eagles kicks on goal during the 2018 AFL round 18 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Western Bulldogs at Optus Stadium on July 22, 2018 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

"If he's not a player that Melbourne should be going after I'd be surprised."

A two-time Coleman medallist and three-time All-Australian, Kennedy played 293 AFL games throughout his career at both Carlton and West Coast, slotting 723 goals and becoming the Eagles' all-time leading goalkicker in the process.

Published by
Will Jeffares