Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has revealed veteran West Coast forward Josh Kennedy knocked back a recent approach to join the Dockers in an off-field capacity.
The 34-year-old is yet to officially re-sign with the Eagles for the 2022 season, with Longmuir admitting he recently sounded him out to fill an off-field vacancy if he was considering retirement.
But after being told by Kennedy he’s intent on playing on next year, the Dockers coach admitted he’ll try again in future years to lure the much-loved Eagle to the club.
“I put the feelers out about an off-field role earlier in the off-season,” Longmuir revealed on Sportsday.
“He made it really clear that he wanted to play on again and (said) that he and West Coast have come to probably a one-year deal (agreement).
“Once he’s finished his playing career, I’ll ask him again and see if he wants to come over as we’ve seen how he can be with the younger players.
“He’s great at imparting his knowledge and experience to the younger players, I think he’s someone that could help us down the track, but I think we’ll have to wait another year or two.”
Kennedy played 18 games for West Coast in 2021, kicking 41 goals.