sport news West Coast Eagles premiership star Josh Kennedy announces shock AFL retirement ... trends now
West Coast veteran Josh Kennedy has announced his shock retirement from the AFL, with the premiership winner to play his final match at the Eagles' home game against Adelaide on Sunday.
Kennedy, who turns 35 later this month, says an ongoing knee issue was the main reason behind his decision to retire effective immediately, despite there being three games to go in the regular season.
The 292-game full forward will be stranded just a few games short of joining the magical 300 club, but will go down as one of West Coast's greatest ever forwards, having booted 707 goals for the club - the most ever.
Aside from his 2018 premiership, Kennedy was a two-time Coleman Medallist, three-time All Australian and led the Eagles goalkicking charts for an incredible seven season.
Shannon Hurn (left) and Josh Kennedy hold the premiership trophy aloft after winning the 2018 AFL Grand Final against Collingwood
Josh Kennedy roars with delight after a crucial goal in the Eagles 2018 grand final win
He admitted his body had finally got the better of him, and we would not be able to make it to the 300-game mark.
'I think my drive to play is still there, but I'm realistic my body is not going to be able to take me to another season,' Kennedy said at Tuesday's retirement press conference.
'To be able to farewell West Coast supporters one last time at Optus Stadium and say thank you for the incredible support over the years will be the perfect way to finish my career.'
Josh Kennedy and wife Lauren with their daughters Lottie and Sage after Kennedy announced his retirement from AFL footy
Kennedy's decision to retire this week means he will skip the away western derby against Fremantle in round 22, and the final-round clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
A curious decision
