Josh P. Kennedy

Swans veteran Josh Kennedy calls time on career

The Sydney great will hang up the boots.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Sydney Swans veteran Josh Kennedy will call time on his AFL career at the end of the 2022 season, concluding a 16-year stint in the game.

Kennedy informed his teammates of the decision on Tuesday after 290 matches, 277 of which coming in the red and white.

Sydney are yet to confirm the extent of Kennedy's latest hamstring setback sustained over the weekend, while his retirement is not noted to be with immediate effect.

The now 34-year-old was drafted to Hawthorn as a father-son selection, following in the footsteps of his dad John Kennedy Jr., and his grandfather John Kennedy Sr. in pulling on the brown and gold.

After three years at Hawthorn, Kennedy was traded to the Swans on a three-year deal, where he has since thrived as one of the club's greatest players of this century.

Across 13 seasons with Sydney, Kennedy has accrued a decorated career, including a premiership with the Swans in 2012.

Kennedy has also added three All-Australian selections and three Bob Skilton Medals in emerging as a Sydney great, with the contested ball-winner also named captain of the club between 2017-2021.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 06: Josh Kennedy of the Swans in action during the round three AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on April 06, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/Getty Images)

The veteran midfielder leaves the Swans as a key piece in their long-standing success across the past decade, joining the likes of Adam Goodes, Luke Parker and Gerard Healy in being three-time club champions.

Kennedy and senior coach John Longmire are set to speak with media on Tuesday afternoon.

Published by
Mitch Keating