Interview with Rick Kennedy

[Pembleton]

I remember in his last season he was used a lot up forward and one time at the WO he was coming off the bench and Andy Goodwin was waiting to pick him up. Goodwin was no shrinking violet himself and big Rick promptly ran onto the ground and charged at him full tilt. Bloody solid shirt front.

I was pretty young when Rick was finishing up, and that incident is my only clear memory of him as a player. I was in the Whitten Stand and as he came on there was a palpable surge of excitement as he went charging down the ground like a big bull. It was great.

Despite having almost no memory of him as a player, i do remember that he was one of my favourites as a kid. I suspect i was attracted by the esteem all the other Footscray supporters held him in, which was something like a powerful warrior who would destroy anyone who threatened one of our boys.

I liked the question about number 8 TCD. I enjoy the tradition that has developed for giving it to the...how to put it...robust types. It's the only number i have gone out of my way to get on the back of any of my Footscray jumpers.

My other memory from Rick's career is an off field one. It must have been during his last year or two, and he was out through injury or suspension. I always sat in the Whitten Stand and this day Rick was sitting in the next bay along and a few rows behind. At the end of the game, we would always wait for the crowd to diminish before leaving because my Nan was a bit frail and had a bung leg. Rick also stayed in his spot for a fair while after the siren. He was with what i assumed to be his family, having a bit of afternoon tea (i distinctly remember a thermos). At the urging of my Dad i approached him for an autograph. I'm not sure how Dad managed to get me to go over to Rick, because i was a meek little fella, and Rick has an intimidating presence. Anyway, Rick was very friendly to me and happily signed my record, giving me my first ever autograph. If you happen to read this Rick, thanks for that.

[NoseBleed]

In (about) 1982, Mark "Jacko" Jackson ran onto the Western Oval with his team (Melbourne?), and pranced down to the Geelong Road End goalsquare, where he proceeded to stand beside the goal umpire and let the Bulldog cheer squad know how awesome he was going to be today.

He then trotted backward to the top of the square, turned, and was met straight up the middle by Rick Kennedey's hip, shoulder, and elbow, all at full steam.

Jackson flew backwards, and landed on his back in the mud puddle in the middle of the square.

Kennedy then trotted slowly over him (long nylon stops and all) taking at least four steps on his prone form, and ambled up to introduce him self to the goal umpire, who'd watched it all unfold, and decided that as his official part in the game didn't start until the whistle blew, all he could do was shake RK's hand.

As a pimply faced 90 pound cheer squad member, I'll always remember the moment Rick Kennedy became an immortal in my eye's.

One of Jacko's few quiet days against us back then, regardless of the jumper he wore..

Cheers Rick.

NB

[LostDoggy]

Yep, my memories of Rick are of one tough customer, who never really took a step backward. If he played today, he would be rubbed out constantly, but gee, he was great to watch!

[KT31]

Yep, my memories of Rick are of one tough customer, who never really took a step backward. If he played today, he would be rubbed out constantly, but gee, he was great to watch!

Certainly played it tough and played in an era where the forwards were just as tough but I think he was a better footballer than you give him credit for.

[crossroads]

I used to love going to watch footscray at home in those days i used to work at containers packaging factory across the train tracks ( It is now a dimmeys wharehouse opposite the rising sun hotel).

I used to knock off from work ( unoficially) go down to the rising sun or the ashley pub.
have a couple then off to watch the footy.
I rember watching rick at the time play on plugger with that big muscle boldge in his thigh at thought this is going to be a great contest between two giants and it was.

Fantastic stuff to watch.

Peter foster was another brilliant footballer to watch similar to rick.

and last but not least Doug Hawkins Skill on the wing.

No wonder when I was asked to attend training with Mick Malthouse as the coach i was in awe of these champions around the club.

Terry wheler used to teach us at Sunshine north Tech and on several occasions give me his famous squirile gripe to slow me down .

John Schuliga

[merantau]

Rick Kennedy was a very fine footballer and leader. He played his heart out for us. Took on the best and bested a lot of them. Any kick earned against Rick was a hard-earned kick. Thanks for the efforts Rick. You did the Club proud.

[Bulldog Joe]

Rick Kennedy was a very fine footballer and leader. He played his heart out for us. Took on the best and bested a lot of them. Any kick earned against Rick was a hard-earned kick. Thanks for the efforts Rick. You did the Club proud.

The biggest problem for Rick is that he could have grandsons go to Richmond as father/sons.

[Twodogs]

The biggest problem for Rick is that he could have grandsons go to Richmond as father/sons.

Wash your mouth out with soap young man.

[Rocket Science]

Ugh. I just learned that Rick Kennedy is Trent Cotchin's father in law and now I feel dirty.

[Happy Days]

Ugh. I just learned that Rick Kennedy is Trent Cotchin's father in law and now I feel dirty.

Same.

I'm pretty convinced that Cotchin (Joel Selwood too) are creations of the AFL Marketing Department that exist to further the AFL Brand™ by showing kids how to play football The Right Way, and giving their mothers a nice face to look at. Hence the constant insistence that they're "great blokes" and champions, despite playing good football at best in patches, and the ridiculous amount of free kicks they get to ensure maximum solo screen time.

Such a pity for Tits to be roped into the long con like this.

[Twodogs]

You can't account for love.