MATTHEW Kennedy made a big impact in his return to football at the weekend.
After spending several weeks sidelined with an ankle injury, the midfield bull amassed 29 disposals and kicked the first major of the day in the Northern Blues’ loss to Richmond.
The former Giant caught up with Carlton Media about his return and goals for the rest of the season.
You had a strong return from injury in the VFL on Sunday. Tell us about the match.
It was good to come back through the VFL. The boys put in a strong performance. Unfortunately, we went down. I think the third quarter is where it got away from us. For myself personally it was good to get back and be out there with the boys again and it was good to get a few touches and play out a full game, since I’ve missed a month or so. It was just good to be out there.
How did you pull up after the game?
Going into the game I was really confident. I have done a lot of work with all of the physio and rehab staff, so I was confident going into the game that I would get through. I pulled up really well, I was moving well, and it felt good while I was out there. I was really happy with how the ankle pulled up.
Having played Collingwood in Round 3, what can Carlton expect this weekend?
The Pies are a pretty good team. They’re in really good form – in the top eight. They’ve got a pretty elite midfield in (Adam) Treloar, (Scott) Pendlebury, (Taylor) Adams and those sorts of blokes. I think the midfield battle will be not where it (game) is won and lost, but it will be a big part of it. I think just their spread away from the stoppage and their ball movement is very quick and makes for exciting football. They will be hard to stop but I think the boys will be up for it.
What are your goals for the reminder of the season?
I would like to get a bit of form back through the VFL and can hopefully come back for the second half of the year and string a few good games together. I want to get a bit of confidence back, both in my body and form-wise. Hopefully I can play good footy and give the Blues supporters and the Club a bit to look forward to for the coming years.
