The Sydney Swans extend their condolences to the Kennedy family, after the sad passing of John Kennedy Sr.
Father of Hawthorn great John Kennedy Jr and grandfather of Sydney Swans captain Josh Kennedy, he passed away this morning at the age of 91.
The Hawthorn Football Club confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday, which read: "He was a man of extraordinary humility and strong family values and his legacy will live on, always”.
Known for his motivational speeches, John Kennedy made an enormous contribution to football.
As a player, he ran out in 164 games for Hawthorn from 1950-1959, being named the club’s best and fairest four times and captaining the side from 1954-1959.
As a coach, he was at the helm in 412 games for Hawthorn and North Melbourne from 1957-1989, including Hawthorn’s first three premierships in 1961, 1971 and 1976.
In 1993, John Kennedy Sr joined the AFL Commission and spent five years as its chairman.
Earlier this month, he was inducted as the 29th Legend in the Australian Football Hall of Fame.
Josh Kennedy is due to run out for his 250th AFL game tonight in Sydney’s match against the Western Bulldogs.
The thoughts of everyone at the Sydney Swans are with Josh and his family.
