West Coast Eagles’ Champion Josh Kennedy Announces Retirement, Last Game This Sunday

“He’s going to go down as one of the greatest.”

Coach Adam Simpson has summed up West Coast Eagles champion Josh Kennedy perfectly this morning following news the goalkicking great will retire after this Sunday’s game against the Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium.

Kennedy leaves the game as one of the Eagles’ most celebrated players, departing as West Coast’s leading goalkicker (704 currently), 3-time All-Australian, 2-time Coleman medalist and 2018 premiership player.

“It’s been a privilege to play so many years at this great football club and I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to represent the West Coast Eagles and Carlton,” Kennedy said via the announcement on the Eagles’ website.

“There are so many people to thank for helping me on the journey over 17 years. Obviously my wife Lauren and daughters Sage and Lottie, my family who always supported me, coaches John Worsfold and Adam Simpson, club staff and of course my teammates…

“Footy and the West Coast Eagles have given me so much and I’ve loved the journey. I’ve made lifelong friendships and learnt so much from champions like Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Luke Shuey, Shannon Hurn and Mark LeCras.”

Kennedy cited his knee as a big reason behind the retirement, saying the drive to play was still there, but his body was “not going to be able to take me to another season.”

“What he’s done in my time at the club, it’s just been a pleasure to see and watch. Coleman Medals, the ability to stand up in big games. Clutch, not just goals, but clutch moments,” said coach Adam Simpson.

“That just sums him up. He’s a big-game player, but he also loves his teammates and loves his club.”

Header Image via West Coast Eagles Facebook.