By Liam Twomey
AT SEPTEMBER’S AFL national draft combine the future of Western Jets footballer Adam Kennedy was up in the air.
The TAC Cup captain was unable to take part in any of the testing because he sustained a back injury and was forced to watch on as talented footballers from around the country showed recruiters what they were capable of.
At the time Kennedy said he hoped the work he had put in during the year would be enough for recruiters to remember him come draft time.
The 19-year-old didn’t even have to wait until the draft after he was picked up by the AFL’s newest team, Greater Western Sydney last week.
Western Jets coach Steve Kretiuk said it was a great thrill for Kennedy and the Jets.
“From the end of the 2009 season he has worked as hard as anyone I’ve seen and got himself super fit,” Kretiuk said.
“In 2009 he was really just a back pocket player but he put himself into a position over pre-season where he could work himself into our midfield and he has certainly done that. He was probably our most consistent player that year.”
After the 2010 season Kennedy was overlooked at the national draft and the rookie draft but returned to the Jets for another year as an over-age player this year and made the most of his chance.
“There was a bit of talk that he would be picked up in those drafts but that didn’t eventuate. He certainly didn’t sulk or let that deter him from where he wanted to get to,” Kretiuk said.
“He knows how to find the footy and he knows how to get rid of it so they are two aspects of his game that have got him to GWS.
“He is going to give the club 110 per cent and I have no doubts that he will forge a good career because he has that work ethic and has a good head on his shoulders.”
Kennedy becomes the first Jet on an AFL list for the new season but he won’t be the last with Will Hoskin-Elliott and Elliott Kavanagh tipped to go inside the top 20.
Kretiuk was hopeful AFL clubs would also look towards a couple of other Jets’ players for list spots including best-and-fairest winner Jack Charleston.
“Jack has got himself super fit and if you look at the position he is in at the moment, it’s nearly a mirror image as to where Adam was at with his footy,” he said.
“Hopefully, someone will look at that and give him an opportunity.”
After their most successful season for the past 15 years under Kretiuk, Jets’ fans can rest easy with the news that he will again be in charge next season.
