It was another excellent campaign from the now 34-year-old warhorse, who kicked 41 majors and was pipped for the leading goalkicker award by Jack Darling in the final round.

While his impact is so much bigger than pure scoring, Kennedy never went goalless from his 18 appearances and, the COVID-shortened 2020 year aside, he has booted at least 40 majors in each of the past eight seasons.

Kennedy started the season in fine form with back-to-back four-goal returns in rounds two and three, creating problems for opposition defences alongside Oscar Allen and Darling.

He ended with four goals on three occasions – with his epic performance against Richmond in round 13 when he sealed a magical come-from-behind triumph in the final minute sure to be remembered for a long time.

With 686 career goals to his name, all-but 11 of those at West Coast, the champion spearhead currently sits 25^th overall in VFL/AFL history and remains a headache for opposition defenders. 

Standout performance: A night to remember

From the opening bounce Kennedy was covering territory like a man a decade his junior.

The big forward was sprightly pushing up the ground and linking up play, and his season-highs for disposals (15) and inside 50s (six) helped keep the Eagles in the hunt before they launched a famous comeback.

From 22 points down, West Coast stormed home and set the scene for ‘JK’ to dive low on the lead to clutch a Liam Ryan worm-burner inches from the turf.

Faced with one of the toughest kicks in the game across his body from 40m on the boundary line, Kennedy curled the Sherrin post-high around the upright to perfection and sent Optus Stadium into a frenzy.

On the long list of career highlights for the 196cm big man, this victory over the reigning premier will no doubt rank highly. 

Season averages:

Disposals – 9.9

Score Involvements – 5.9

Marks Inside 50 – 2.9

Goals – 2.3

Inside 50s – 2

2021 AFL statistical rankings:

7^th: Hitout Win % (66.7)

8^th: Marks Inside 50 (2.9)

11^th: Goals (2.3)