Australian Football

Des Kennedy was a talented utility who was aged just 16 when he made his senior debut with Sandringham in the VFA in 1960. Two years later he led the rucks as the Zebras turned a 44 point three quarter time deficit into a one point triumph over Moorabbin in the first division grand final. Kennedy continued with Sandringham for another couple of seasons, claiming a club best and fairest award in 1963, before crossing to St Kilda in 1965, a year which saw the Saints contest only the second grand final in their history. Kennedy lined up on a half forward flank for the big match, but could not prevent a 35 point defeat at the hands of Essendon. The 1966 season brought a second successive grand final appearance for the Saints and on this occasion they were successful, downing Collingwood by the narrowest of margins. Kennedy, however, was absent, having sustained a knee injury a fortnight earlier in the second semi final.

In 1971, having made 56 senior VFL appearances and scored 26 goals for St Kilda, Kennedy returned to Sandringham to see out his career. When he retired in 1974 he had played 101 games for the club as well as winning a second best and fairest award in his penultimate season.

Author - John Devaney