Western Jets region manager Shane Sexton says the success of Adam Kennedy should be a lesson for all the region’s footballers.
Kennedy notched up his 50th game for Greater Western Sydney this season.
But it hasn’t always been smooth sailing for the defender, who was initially overlooked by AFL club recruiters.
The then Melton resident wasn’t rookie-listed after his top-age TAC Cup season and returned to the club as an over-age player.
Twelve months later, he made his debut for the Giants.
Kennedy was on hand at the Jets’ best and fairest function last week.
“We interviewed Adam on the night and talked to him about his career,” Sexton said.
“He didn’t play at the Western Jets in the under 15s or 16s.
“As a 17-year-old, he started to show his athleticism and running capacity.
“As an 18-year-old, he had a solid year. Some clubs were talking about making him a rookie-listed player. That didn’t eventuate.
“He came back as a 19-year-old and had an outstanding year, got himself drafted and three years later he has played in excess of 50 games of AFL football.
“There is a lesson there – that if you believe you’re good enough and you want to play the game, persevere and be the best that you can be.”
