Collingullie footballer Matt Kennedy is all aboard the 'Teague Train' and looking forward to being apart of a bright future at Carlton.
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Kennedy is home enjoying the last couple of weeks of his off-season break, juggling time between the farm and the family business, Riverina Terrazzo.
The 2019 season was a frustrating one for Kennedy, where injury and form restricted him to just 10 AFL games.
Kennedy revealed he was beginning to lose his passion for the game until David Teague took over as the new Carlton coach in June.
"It was mixed emotions. At the start I was planning on having a big year because I had a good pre-season but then just before the season started a few injuries set me back and then I struggled for form early on," Kennedy said.
"I came in and played two games and didn't really perform.
"Then it probably wasn't until Teague took over, I was starting to, not losing the love, but losing a bit of motivation but a fresh voice and a coach that was a bit more attacking that let you just play footy, I really enjoyed.
"Obviously I went forward and I enjoyed that as well. A couple of different voices and I started to find a bit more love for it I guess and I was playing good footy so I was happy with how I finished."
Kennedy is a big fan of Teague and believes his appointment in August, after a period as interim coach, was the right move.
"I think for the footy club in general," he said.
"No offence to (Brendon) Bolton but maybe he was a little bit defensive and told us a bit too much and I think blokes were over-thinking it.
"Teagues released the shackles a bit and allowed you to play more footy and a bit more off instinct so I really enjoyed that and being such a young group we relished that opportunity of a bit more freedom."
Carlton won six of their last 11 games to finish the year full of confidence and with plenty of optimism about the 2020 season.
Kennedy said it is hard to predict how the Blues will perform next season but did admit there is a feeling of excitement among the playing group.
"Its hard to know. Everyone's just really keen for the pre-season," he said.
"I know keeping in touch with a lot of blokes, they're trying to keep themselves pretty fit in the off-season as well. I know there is blokes running together and stuff like that.
"I think everyone is just excited and it's almost the fear of missing out because a lot of us can see what's coming and I think that's what is really driving us as a group and as a club to have some success in the short term future."
Kennedy's immediate goal is to hook into pre-season training and be running out for the Blues in round one.
"I suppose I'm going into my fifth year so I would like to cement myself a spot and stay injury free," he said.
"Injuries have stuffed me around a little bit so I would love to get myself fitter so I'm able to play more midfield time. Mainly just cement my spot. Hopefully play round one and go from there. That's my goal."
Kennedy also hopes to claim his spot in the Carlton midfield.
"I still think I'm more of a midfielder but it helps being able to play two different roles," he said.
"I did enjoy my time up forward and now that we have Eddie Betts there, it would be nice to pick his brains and learn a few different things. To be honest, it doesn't really worry me as long as I can get a game. I'll play anywhere, even if its down back."
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