A MEMORY game. 

With the Round 1 draw fresh on their minds, the Blues were keen to hold strong until the end against the Cats. 

Midfielder Matt Kennedy spoke to Andy Maher and Josh Jenkins on SEN after the eight-point win over Geelong, saying their draw against Richmond was clear in their minds as they headed into the final minutes of the game. 

"As a team, we actually watched the last five minutes of the Richmond game and I think that held us in good stead,” Kennedy said.  

“I think in our last four matches as well, they’ve all been pretty close games so I think there’s always big moments in those last five minutes and when the opportunity arose, the boys took it with both hands.” 

Overall, Kennedy saw the Round 2 performance as much more aligned with the style of footy that the Blues are aiming to play in 2023.

What particularly impressed the midfielder, was the Blues ability to keep their heads under pressure, taking the game on when the opportunity presented while balancing a slower, more composed style when the Cats were pushing.

“A few decision-making errors and a bit of lack of composure – you also gain that [experience] from being in those situations multiple times, so it was good to show a bit of growth [Thursday]  night,” he said. 

“Our system probably held us in good stead to be in front the whole game.” 

While the outside noise has been loud on Carlton’s efforts in close games, Kennedy said it wasn’t creeping into their minds heading into the dying stages of the game. 

He acknowledged the composure of his teammates and praised their determination to keep to the system. 

“When you’re in the moment, you’re really honing in on your role, trying to engage with your teammates, so we don’t really think about [the pressure],” he said. 

“I think it’s really encouraging to be able to be in that situation again and really knuckle down and switch back into their role and the task at hand was really pleasing to see.” 

Next week, the Blues will be taking on Kennedy’s former side in the Giants, with the 25-year old playing his first two seasons in New South Wales. 

It’s been quite the journey for Kennedy since then, who was delisted and re-rookied to Carlton in 2021, only to be elevated to the senior list and commit until 2025 a year later. 

Kennedy looks back on those times as his turning point - admitting he’s in a much better spot mentally and physically - steadfast on playing his best footy. 

“I think once I got delisted and re-rookied, it was a lightbulb moment – I realised that footy isn’t going to last forever and I really went to work on the mental side of things,” he said. 

“I really stripped it back and wanted to go back to enjoying footy and find that love again, because that’s why we all play when we’re young kids.” 

With the addition of George Hewett and Adam Cerra in 2022 and now the return of Ed Curnow to the midfield brigade, Kennedy is enjoying his footy more than ever.

With a big focus on playing to your strengths rather than ruing your weaknesses, Kennedy thinks the whole Club has a better mentality when it comes to improving their game and finding their 'one wood'. 

“We’ve seen a big shift in the whole group - and that comes with a bit of maturity - finding out your strengths and weaknesses as a player and really getting after it,” he said. 

“I’ve got a good group of midfielders at the minute that we can learn and make each other better, so I'm enjoying that element of it a lot more as well.”