“His year has been outstanding”: AFL greats stunned Carlton may let midfielder walk out

Brad Johnson is stunned by Carlton’s reported call to tell Matthew Kennedy to look elsewhere in the upcoming trade period.

The report came following the club’s exit meetings, with Kennedy reportedly wanting more midfield time and the club suggesting he should look around for a new home if he can find one.

The 27-year-old had a career-best season for Carlton in 2024, playing every game and proving to be one of the most flexible players in the competition.

He played midfield, half-forward, key forward, ruck and even key defence at different stages of the season and was ultimately Michael Voss’ most reliable magnet as injuries mounted.

Johnson can’t believe the Blues would let him walk out the door.

“Matt Kennedy being told to go explore his options elsewhere surprised me,” Johnson told SEN’s Sportsday.

“His year has been outstanding. It’s been his best year of football throughout his entire career. So you have your best year in terms of numbers and games played and you get told to go and look elsewhere?

“Maybe (Carlton is too one-paced in the midfield), but what he’s achieved this year in the navy blue is a lot more than half the list has achieved.

“Carlton probably sees him as a half-forward and that’s part of the discussion with this. As long as he can understand he needs to play both roles, forward and mid, he will be successful somewhere else.”

Kane Cornes agrees, believing Kennedy would thrive elsewhere and suggesting North Melbourne should make a play for him.

“I love him as a player. I put him into Sydney and he’s a James Rowbottom. He’s Jarrod Berry at Brisbane. Put him into Geelong and he’s a Tom Atkins and he’s an important grunt player,” Cornes said.

“This is the type of player North Melbourne should be after, with four or five years left. Someone who will drive standards and give everything and put his head over it.

“If you need him to go and play forward and kick you a goal, he can. He’s versatile and tough, yes he’s not the perfect player.”

Kennedy is contracted at Carlton for the 2025 season should a move not eventuate.

He showed visible frustration on the bench during Carlton’s Elimination Final loss to Brisbane after being subbed out tactically in the second quarter for Tom De Koning.