Sydney Swans midfielder Josh Kennedy believes he has settled into a strong vein of form following his standout performance in Saturday’s win over Essendon.
Kennedy gathered a game-high 40 disposals in the 81-point win at the SCG; a night out which included 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances and seven inside 50s.
After a quiet start to the season by his lofty standards, Kennedy has strung together games of 28, 29, 31, 30 and now 40 disposals in consecutive weeks which has slingshot the prolific ball winner to the same level of form which helped claim his second Club Champion award last season.
It was the fourth time in Kennedy’s 165-game career he has amassed 40 disposals in a match.
“I feel like my form has been pretty consistent. I feel like I have played pretty well,” he said post-match.
“But the way we’ve played this year there’s been a number of players who have stepped up … and that’s translating in big games which is fantastic.
“Hopefully we can continue spreading the load and I can keep playing my role.”
Tom Mitchell (37 disposals), Dan Hannebery (31) and Luke Parker (29) were among those who helped carry the load on Saturday night.
When Essendon were applying the pressure in the opening half, Kennedy (19 first-half disposals) was instrumental in keeping the Swans' in front while Hannebery in particular responded to coach John Longmire’s blunt messages at the main break to dominate the third quarter (11 disposals).
Lance Franklin and Isaac Heeney (11 goals between them for the match) then spearheaded the hosts’ dominant 13-goal to two second half.
“Taking nothing away from Essendon, they were running on top of the ground and really spreading us defensively,” Kennedy said of the Bombers.
“Horse (John Longmire) had a few words to say at half-time and we had to turn it around. Fortunately, players stood up and we were able to do that.”
Kennedy and alike will be key to the team’s success over the next three weeks given the Swans face a tough period with back-to-back games at the MCG, against Richmond and Hawthorn, then a home game against ladder leaders North Melbourne.
Young midfielder Dan Robinson remains in doubt after injuring his shoulder during the second quarter of Saturday night’s clash.