John Kennedy Sr. (footballer) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids John Kennedy Sr. |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
Kennedy Sr. pictured for a series of
collectible cards in the 1950s |
|||
| Personal information | |||
| Full name | John James Kennedy Sr. | ||
| Nickname(s) | Kanga | ||
| Date of birth | 29 December 1928 | ||
| Place of birth | Camberwell, Victoria | ||
| Date of death | 24 June 2020 (aged 91) | ||
| Career highlights | |||
John James Kennedy Sr. (born 29 December 1928 – died 24 June 2020) was a famous Australian rules footballer. He played for the Hawthorn Football Club and later coached both Hawthorn and the North Melbourne Football Club in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He is best known for leading Hawthorn to win three championships, called premierships, in 1961, 1971, and 1976.
Contents
Playing Career: John Kennedy's Early Days
John Kennedy was born in Camberwell, Victoria, on 29 December 1928. In 1950, he joined the Hawthorn Football Club. He played as a ruckman, a player who jumps to tap the ball down from a bounce or throw-in.
Over ten years, he played 164 games for Hawthorn. He was a top player, winning the club's Best and Fairest award four times. He won this award in 1950, 1951, 1952, and 1954. From 1955 until he stopped playing in 1959, he was the team's captain.
Coaching Career: Leading Teams to Victory
First Coaching Steps at Hawthorn
John Kennedy's coaching journey started unexpectedly in 1957. The main coach, Jack Hale, had an accident and couldn't coach a game. So, Kennedy stepped in to lead the team for that match.
He officially became the Hawthorn coach for the 1960 season. He quickly made a big impact. In 1961, he led the team to win their very first premiership, which is like winning the championship!
Leaving and Returning to Hawthorn
After losing the Grand Final in 1963, Kennedy had to leave coaching. He was offered a job as a school principal in Stawell.
Hawthorn's performance wasn't as good without him. Because of this, he was asked to return as coach in 1967. He then led Hawthorn to two more premierships, in 1971 and 1976. He also coached them to another Grand Final in 1975, but they lost that one. He stepped down again in 1976, having coached Hawthorn to three premierships in total.
Coaching the North Melbourne Football Club
In 1985, Kennedy took on a new challenge. He became the coach of the North Melbourne Football Club. He coached them until 1989. His best result with North Melbourne was finishing fourth in 1985.
Overall, John Kennedy coached 411 games. He won 236 games, lost 170, and had 5 draws.
Honours and Achievements: A Legacy of Success
John Kennedy Sr. achieved many great things in his football career, both as a player and a coach.
Playing Achievements
- Individual Awards
- 4× Hawthorn Best and Fairest: 1950, 1951, 1952, 1954 (This award goes to the best player in the club each year.)
- Hawthorn captain: 1955–1959
Coaching Achievements
- Team Success
- 3× VFL Premiership coach (Hawthorn): 1961, 1971, 1976 (He led his team to win the championship three times.)
- 4× Minor premiership (Hawthorn): 1961, 1963, 1971, 1975 (His team finished first at the end of the regular season four times.)
- 2× Night Series premiership (Hawthorn): 1968, 1969 (He also won two pre-season competitions.)
- Individual Coaching Awards
- 3× Jock McHale Medal: 1961, 1971, 1976 (This medal is given to the coach of the premiership-winning team.)
- Hawthorn Team of the Century – Coach (He was chosen as the coach for Hawthorn's best team of all time.)
Hall of Fame and Life Membership
- Australian Football Hall of Fame – Legend status (He is recognized as one of the greatest figures in Australian Rules Football history.)
- Hawthorn Hall of Fame – Legend status
- Hawthorn life member
Legacy: John Kennedy's Impact on Football
John Kennedy was known for being tough and skilled as a player. As a coach, he was also known for his toughness and his powerful speeches. He would often borrow ideas from anywhere he thought would inspire his players. However, it was his passion that truly stood out.
He was famous for his old, brown overcoat, which is now on display at the Hawthorn Football Club.
He was one of the first people to be included in the Australian Football Hall of Fame. He was also inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1999.
His son, John Kennedy Jr., also played for the Hawks. He even played against teams coached by his father eight times! Kennedy's grandson, Josh Kennedy, also played for Hawthorn and later became a star player for the Sydney Swans.
On 1 June 2020, John Kennedy Sr. was given the highest honour in Australian Football. He became the 29th legend of the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Richard Goyder, the AFL Commission Chairman, said that Legends stand above other great players and coaches. He recognized Kennedy's amazing six-decade contribution to the game.
Statue: A Permanent Tribute
To celebrate John Kennedy's 80th birthday, a statue of him was put up. It stands overlooking Hawthorn's Waverley Park stadium. The words on the plaque tell his story:
- John "Kanga" Kennedy played 164 games for Hawthorn from 1950 to 1959. He was part of their first ever finals team in 1957.
- In 1960, at just 31, Kennedy became coach. He changed Hawthorn and led the club to its first three premierships in 1961, 1971, and 1976.
- Kennedy's Hawthorn teams were called "Kennedy's Commandos." He wore his famous overcoat, and his loud voice and inspiring words motivated many Hawthorn players. He turned the team from easy opponents into one of the most respected clubs in the league.
- He taught the club important values like teamwork, discipline, honesty, and a strong will to win. These values are now a core part of the club's character. His legacy will always be remembered.
Death: Remembering a Legend
John Kennedy Sr. passed away at the age of 91 on 24 June 2020. This was just one day before his grandson, Josh Kennedy, was set to play his 250th AFL game.
