The Collingullie-Glenfield Park backman took a mark deep in defence in the dying minutes of the Demons’ nail-biting grand final victory against Griffith, when the Swans were back to within two points and searching for a matchwinning goal.

It was a big play locking in a hard-earned victory for his teammates, a third flag for Kennedy, and a Ron Hutchins Medal for a best-on-ground performance.

But right throughout the game, Kennedy was a composed and classy presence in defence for the Demons and his ability to intercept Griffith raids and play a role in setting up Collingullie-GP from the back went a long way to them controlling the game for the first three quarters, before surviving the last.

“It just feels unreal,” Kennedy said. “That’s why you play footy – for games like that. When you’re out there you don’t want them to be like that but afterwards it just makes the win that much better. Oh, it’s going to be great fun tonight and for the next couple of days.”

For Kennedy, it was another success with two brothers, Jimmy and Nick, and cousin Josh Gunning and he was pleased to send one of his mentors, the retiring Kal Sykes, out on a high.

“I think he was half-thinking about retiring last year. But we got him to come one more and we got him the flag, which is good,” Kennedy said. 

“He’s been unreal for me, really. When I first come in ‘Kug’ (Sykes) was there and he taught me a bit in the backline, just his leadership and voice. He’s unreal for the club. An absolute clubman.”

But the highlight this year has been playing alongside the emerging talent like Gunning, Ed Perryman, Blake Harper and Brad McMillan. 

And restoring Riverina League supremacy, after missing the grand final in 2016 and losing to Leeton-Whitton last year.

“Leading up to it it crosses your mind. You think about how upset and disappointed you are when you lose,” Kennedy said.

“I’ve lost three now and won three. You do think about them when you lose. They’re not fun. It’s a lot better standing here with all the boys.”