Most AFL players adopt the mantra ‘less is more’ as their careers wind down, but it won’t be the case for West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy this pre-season.
Kennedy has been riddled by ailments in recent years, with his battered body normally forced to be in cotton wool during the pre-season.
The 32-year-old missed round one last season while he was regaining full fitness, and he was forced to sit out the first three rounds of 2018 after undergoing knee and ankle surgery.
Kennedy’s form dipped at times last season, with some people even calling for him to retire.
But Kennedy has enjoyed a fuss-free off-season to date, and hopes are high he can complete a full pre-season for the first time in years and be there for round one.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson said rather than easing the load on the 243-game veteran, it was important to get miles into his legs while the going is good.
“As much as we think we think we need to probably manage Josh over the journey, he actually hasn’t had a full crack at pre-season for three or four years,” Simpson said.
“The good thing is he’s training (now).
“It’s a good opportunity to get some Ks in the legs again and remind himself what it’s like to do a pre-season.
“He’s excited about that, and we are as well. We’ll manage him the right way, but hopefully you’ll see him on track a bit more in the pre-season.”
Star defender Jeremy McGovern will be on limited duties over the summer while he recovers from heel surgery.
Simpson is confident McGovern will be fit for the club’s first pre-season game against Essendon on February 28.
Ruckman Nic Naitanui, who narrowly avoided ankle surgery at the tail-end of last season, will be further assessed over the coming days before a plan is mapped out for his pre-season.
Simpson has been impressed by what he’s seen from star recruit Tim Kelly, who chose to start training earlier than required last month.
“He’s exactly what we thought – he’s a pro,” Simpson said.
“He’s an A-grade talent. That’s why we got him. It’s not a quick fix for us, it’s a long-term investment.
“I can’t wait to see him play for the next six or seven years.”
Seymorebutts
Guest
Ha ha, I thought you were just being generous ;-)
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Would they challenge for spots on the best teams? I don't think many of eagles players other than the top 10 would be likely to find a spot in the tigers side. I understand it's just a difference in our grading. You think there are B grade players making the all australian side every year whereas im not so hard.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Is that a chip on your shoulder? The logic of Brad Hardie is rubbing off on you, 6x6. Woeful deflection.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Oi, I rather like Geelong, but Kelly was head and shoulders their best player in that game. Was involved in plenty of plays, kicked an amazing clean goal from about 45m out and without him I can't see that it was that close.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Exactly! A Grade ratings aren't retained for life, something WC fans can't come to terms with, it seems. WCE needs to man up himself.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
I don't expect you to understand anything that isn't part of robbos top fifty players, you should change your name to true Robbo fan.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Missed pre season through injury so I would suspect that he was carrying things in season.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
So unfit but not injured?
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
He hasn't done a pre season for 2 years, this'll be his first in that time.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I was assuming he was injured. Was he?
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
10-11 A graders? You're dreaming.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
And my response was the same, he kicked 50 goals so if you think that's a calling card of retirement then you're being absurd, I could say Selwood should retire as he was below average at times last season but I wouldn't be so naive.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I think I had a discussion with you about young Josh last year. When you weren’t wiffy. Really Really slow. If he wasn’t injured, he has to go. Even if he gets his goal per week.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
The only reason. Come on that is unfounded bile.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
He should retire as a hero. Last year miles to slow.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
Oh, I forgot that Jack also suffered that wrist injury this year as well. Sorry, didn't mean to make it about Jack. Just saying that Richmond fans know that Jack's time will come. And,hopefully not yet, but Buddy has had his injuries and is older again. No one I think is questioning what Josh Kennedy has been. The question is whether he still can be that forward star for the Eagles in the future. We'll find out>
Michael44
Roar Rookie
Jack is 14 months younger,so not much difference. Jack has had a pretty good run with injuries until his recent pcl injury so I'm hoping he can go on for quite a while yet. But, key position forward's bodies have to go thru alot.
Michael44
Roar Rookie
"their comes a time for all players (and us as well)." Umm,sorry for stating the bleeding obvious. :)
Michael44
Roar Rookie
Ok, I've only skimmed the article and comments, so maybe I'm wrong WCE,but I don't think anyone is denying that JK has been a star?? He will go down as a champion of the game in my book,but,age catches up with everyone. Are his injuries due to age? Well, maybe or maybe not. But, 32 yo key position forwards have had years of having defenders plow into them. It takes it's toll. His body has probably been through alot. It's not a question of whether JK has been a star or not...he has been an out-and-out star. But, has his time come? No one knows and we will find out. I know that Jack Riewoldt is only a year or 2 behind him. I'm hoping that Jack will find a way to hold onto his great form over the last few years,but,their comes a time for all players (and us as well).
WCE
Roar Rookie
Every club would want a star like JK weather you admit it or not, be a man to yourself and admit it you'll feel better for it.