KNOW your role, play your role.

Whatever that role happens to be. 

A key message coming out of IKON Park during the pre-season was the desire - the need - for positional flexibility. After a fortnight of the home-and-away season, that’s already coming to fruition — with Matthew Kennedy a prime example. 

So often deployed as an inside midfielder under Michael Voss, injury has meant the coaches saw fit to utilise Kennedy up forward. 

While Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay are the regulars, as well as the burgeoning mosquito fleet on the deck, there was a clear need for a hybrid to fill the void left by the injured Jack Silvagni.

That’s where Kennedy - as he so often has - put his hand up.

“It was unfortunate with ‘SOS’ going down, he was playing really good footy for us. We were looking for a bit of a third tall and they asked me to work on my forward craft, working closely with Jordan Russell at the minute to try and be a target inside 50,” Kennedy told SEN.

“Teams like to sit back in front of Harry and Charlie because they’re such a presence, so it’s trying to have your wits about you in trying to ground out my opponent. 

“It’s a pretty cool role — I feel like I get front-seat tickets to the Charlie and Harry show!”

It’s not a role he’s unfamiliar with, having played in attack during 2019 as well as last year’s semi final against Melbourne. 

He’s been pinch-hitting in the midfield as well, having nine centre bounce attendances across the opening two games, while he’s been able to hit the scoreboard in the wins over Brisbane and Richmond.

But the big difference for Kennedy in returning to the forward line is what he’s noticed around him.

“The whole forward line in general, it’s a big growth since the last time I played forward a few years ago. It feels like everyone knows their role exactly, and everybody is leading in their positions which is really good.

“It definitely makes it easier, being new to the position.”