“I REALLY want to get the most out of every training session, every game and most importantly really enjoy it and bring that energy for the group.” 

Matt Kennedy is thriving in the Sunshine Coast, being around his teammates and being able to reconnect after the summer break. 

Meeting new players, coaches and staff is also high on his agenda, ensuring that everyone is connected and understands each other’s stories – giving them the best chance to succeed together in a group. 

While last year was focused on connecting new players, coaches and staff, this year is about raising the standard that was built last year under Michael Voss, rising above the foundation level and pushing each other to be better. 

“Last year, being such a new group, there was such an emphasis on connection, which is a very good starting point for the group,” Kennedy said. 

“We’ve done a lot of work on that and now it’s a bit more game plan as well and being able to raise the floor. 

“We’re trying to be accountable with our standards at training, train well and train quite physically on the track but also being away together off the field – it’s just enjoyable being away in each other’s company.” 

Kennedy might not be enjoying the heat, but he is enjoying the time he gets to spend with his teammates doing different activities in new locations. 

Training on new grounds, at new gyms and different modes of training is refreshing the whole group, Kennedy says, giving them a nice base to launch into their final block of pre-season training back home at IKON Park. 

“We went to the O2 performance gym, they had awesome facilities for us, we had a weights session, treatment and recovery session and a pilates block,” he said. 

“This morning we got up early and had a bit of a beach wrestling session- that was good fun - a bit of recovery as well. We also had a ride back to the hotel for a team breakfast which was a good way to start the day.” 

As for his personal growth, Kennedy has had a few setbacks with a jaw injury and a foot injury, but is as hungry as ever to improve. 

With a new contract under his belt and a clean bill of health, Kennedy is aiming to work as hard as he possibly can so that he can enjoy the rewards later. 

“There was probably a stage in my career where I was really struggling to enjoy [football], I put so much pressure on myself to succeed,” he said,   

“Now I really enjoy going out there with my teammates and going to battle, and win, lose or draw - knowing I’ve put my best foot forward - I can be happy and enjoy the hard work. 

“Doing it with my teammates as well, there’s something very satisfying about that. 

“As hard as these weeks are, it’s enjoyable going to training together, getting on the bus and talking through it, having a bit of a laugh about the session, knowing that you’ve done the hard work together.”