Matthew Kennedy | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

After only very few games in the 2020 season, the notion around Matt Kennedy was that it - all the ability is there, he is very much in the Will Setterfield mould of midfielder, he just couldn’t put it together for a long enough period. All eyes were keenly looking as to whether he was playing round 1, considering the absence of Zac Williams via suspension, and to the shock of, myself at least, he was not there. He didn’t make his debut for the season until round 4 where he came on as the sub and played the next week against Port but didn’t impress. Was the sub again the following week and was dropped from the squad the week after. That looked like the end for Matt Kennedy as a Blue.

Until he made his return in round 14 and returned like a house on fire. 27 touches and 8 marks against the Giants and everyone was like “Where have you been?”. He continued this great run of form and saw out the rest of the season - playing very good football in the process. He had a pinch-hit in the ruck as well, losing all 7 of his ruck contest. He was a tackling machine, being pretty much the only person laying pressure in the midfield as he averaged 4.2 tackles a game. After a relatively disappointing season in 2020, 2021 was certainly a step in the right direction for ‘Bam Bam’

BEST PERFORMANCE

Kennedy had a habit of being Carltons best player, in Carlton worst losses. He had 28 touches and kicked a goal against Port in round 22. He had that aforementioned 27 touches and 8 marks against the Giants in round 14. As well as 23 touches and 5 tackles against the Suns in round 12. But he saved the best for when the Blues won, and that was against The Pies in round 18. 

On an emotional and gloomy Sunday afternoon, Kennedy stood up when The Blues backs were against the wall. He had 26 disposals, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 5 score involvements, 20 pressure acts, 6 clearances and 6 inside 50’s. He, along with Sam Walsh, were the catalysts for The Blues comeback in the second half, as he kicked the first of Carlton's 3 goals to one to the end of the third term which cut the margin to 8 points. With the game on the line, he had 7 touches in the final term and took 3 marks to kill the game and win an unbelievable game for the Blues.  

Whilst Walsh - very fairly - got BOG, Kennedy unassuming nature and game style proved dividends once again as his big body and contest heavy game dragged the Blues over the line.  

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

The outlook for the new season is alot different this time around, in comparison to last year. At the end of the 2020 season, many people didn’t know if he was going to get a contract. Only playing a handful of - all be it very good - games, and not being a flashy or marketable player. However, this time around, it would almost be a ludicrous statement to say that he wouldn’t be in our best team for season 2022. He is our most unique midfielder, has the size of Cripps but the mobility of Walsh, and can go forward and punish the scoreboard.

The only caveat to that, is again, what happens if we get Adam Cerra. I can't see him getting into the midfield consistently if Walsh, Cerra and Cripps are all fit. But he is that perfect versatile option who can rest forward and be a marking target, whilst also getting into some centre bounces to give Crippa a rest. Barring Walsh, he was our best midfielder this season - despite only playing 13 games - and the fact that he is still on the rookie list is absurd. He needs to be offered a contract and tie him down for a good period because we have just found out how good he can be if used properly. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

A

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

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