Past #36: Ayden Kennedy - delisted at the end of the 2013 season

[Kimbo]

Height: 191cm
Weight: 79kg
DOB: 31/10/91
Recruited from: Wantirna South/Eastern Ranges
Bio: Athletic half forward with good hands both on the lead and overhead. Both field and goalkicking are features of his game. Showed he can also play key defence later in the year. Was the quickest player at Draft Camp (2.88secs for 20m) and in the top 6 per cent for agility (8.12secs) highlighting his tremendous athletic ability. Vic Metro U18 representative in 2009.
Matt Burgan's draft rating: 35-rookie
Watch Ayden Kennedy in action


In his own words
What type of player are you?
A versatile athletic player with a long kick. Accurate kick at goal. Good jump with strong hands. Good decision maker under pressure.
Which AFL player do you feel you resemble, and why?
Robert Murphy. An agile half forward player who is a leadup option but also kicks goals.
What are your strengths as a footballer?
Fast, skilful, strong hands, good on lead. Intensity around ball and on ball carrier.
What parts of your game would you like to improve?
Workrate consistent throughout game. I would like to improve my overall fitness.
Which AFL team do you support and how did you come to barrack for them?
Hawthorn, my best mate when I was little went for them so I chose to as well.
Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?
Family have always been there to encourage me with my football. Also my mates have because we are always hanging out trying to beat each other. I used to love watching Wayne Carey just the way he would have such an influence on a game.

 

[Groggyk]

Long neck, nickname Stork maybe.

 

[Arden]

Sounds like he supported North as a kid.

Future Hall of Famer.

 

[Twinkletoes]

Who has been the biggest influence on your career so far, and why?[/B]
Family have always been there to encourage me with my football. Also my mates have because we are always hanging out trying to beat each other. I used to love watching Wayne Carey just the way he would have such an influence on a game.

Kennedy for Captain!

 

[The Filth Wizard]

Sounds like he supported North as a kid.

Future Hall of Famer.

He does say very specifically he is/was a Hawks supporter.

 

[snrub]

Long neck, nickname Stork maybe.

I'll be calling him the humpire

 

[Kimbo]

From: http://www.afldraftinfo.com/2009/11/ayden-kennedy-eastern-rangesvic-metro.html

Height: 192cm
Weight: 81kg
Position: Utility
Potential: 5.5-7.5/10
Style: Brent Staker?


Strengths:

> Very good-excellent athleticism – pace off the mark (quickest over 20m at DC) with good linebreaking ability (however doesn’t seem as quick as his testing time may suggest) and big vertical leap the main standouts
> Neat footskills and capable of good depth
> Has good vision, composure and makes good decisions by hand and foot
> Clean hands at ground lvel
> Strong tackler with good chasing ethic and capable of having good impact with his run down abilty
> Strong OH ability and clean hands
> Versatility to play at either end in a 3rd tall capacity or lead-up/rebounding capacity or possibly as a wingman


Weaknesses:

> Lack of footy smarts - not a big ball winner and doesn’t seem to read the play well– low possession rate at TAC Cup level (14.1dpg) and limited involvement in his championships games (though was mainly playing as a general forward I50) – has a reactive style
> Not much exposed form at higher levels – played a few U18 championships games with limited opportunity and impact
> Can lack awareness with the footy – prone to getting run down from behind



Other:

> Good DM in space with good vision by both hand and foot, but often too slow with the ball (lacks sharp reflexes) and doesn’t have great awareness when in possession (prone to getting run down)
> Lean athletic build with a good frame to add muscle to
> 1st year in the TAC Cup system and played 3 U18 Championships games



Stats: 2009 TAC Cup Stats


Overall

Kennedy is a decent utility prospect. Whilst he is being drafted mostly on the back of his athletic qualities, he seems to have good grasp of the game is some aspects. At worst he’ll probably be a fringe player, at best he could be a very handy tall, athletic utility player that can be used on almost any line. It seems his draft range is quite widespread – could go anywhere from late 2nd round to the rookie draft.

 

[GoodFootyNorth]

I'll be calling him the humpire

Quality.

 

[Groggyk]

I'll be calling him the humpire

Paid.

 

[speedy]

I like the look of this kid. Nice kicking style, attacks the ball in marking contests and a body that looks like filling out.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Just hope he doesnt get moved between defense and the forward line. Keep him forward and dont stuff him around.

 

[Ted]

Llama

 

[rickety]

check him out on www.rangesfc.matchvision.com.au there's a few vids of the games he played this year there

 

[Wally Carter]

This kid came from Wantirna South in the Eastern Suburbs League to the National Carnival in just 12 months.

Top 5 in speed, agility and vertical leap.

"He's got a good tank so he's pretty exciting because Aydens got a lot of development going forward in terms of how much he's improved in just the last 12 months." - Anthony Parkin, Eastern Ranges.

This kid has Huuuuuuge upside.

 

[The Filth Wizard]

This kid has Huuuuuuge upside.

Agreed.

The first three will be guns, the next should come out of nowhere.

Exciting times

 

[Blueboys7]

Comes from my local club, he really came out of no where to dominate the u/18 as a bottom age player and then was scouted to play for eastern. I would assume not many of you have heard about as he hasn't been talked about much on these boards.

His athletic attributes are his strength, along with good skills and marking ability. I wouldn't expect him to play much in the coming years but with his body already showing good size he will be a great flanker possibily a KPP. Another one of his strengths is his versatility. I can see him playing anywhere whether that be up forward as a lead up forward or even full forward, playing on a wing and as a defender I believe he could so quite well.

So basically NM can choose to develop him in any position they choose. Fantastic pick IMO, and you should all be excited!

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Comes from my local club, he really came out of no where to dominate the u/18 as a bottom age player and then was scouted to play for eastern. I would assume not many of you have heard about as he hasn't been talked about much on these boards.

His athletic attributes are his strength, along with good skills and marking ability. I wouldn't expect him to play much in the coming years but with his body already showing good size he will be a great flanker possibily a KPP. Another one of his strengths is his versatility. I can see him playing anywhere whether that be up forward as a lead up forward or even full forward, playing on a wing and as a defender I believe he could so quite well.

So basically NM can choose to develop him in any position they choose. Fantastic pick IMO, and you should all be excited!

Thanks for the info dude, much appreciated.

 

[Ry009]

 

[robaba]

Deed poll required.

Arden Kennedy.

All fixed now.

 

[The Chiefton]

I'm getting a bit sick of the term : He has hugeee upside... being used! whenever i hear that i think SPUD

 

[Cruiser23]

Thought i'd splash this your way now Ayden will be wearing blue and white from now on...

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16228369&postcount=42

Pick 43 - Carlton - Ayden Kennedy (Eastern Ranges/Vic M) - 192.2cm - 81.4kg - 30/10/91

To some this is no surprise i've select him here, real fan of his. Wasn't a real tough decision, always had him in mind from the start of the draft, if he was available here i'd take him. He is my highest rank player at this point, there were a few just a little below him like Roberton, Scott, Winmar and Dyson but i couldn't see them adding more to the Blues than what Kennedy could to justify passing on his talent.

Ayden is an exciting prospect that has only been in the TAC Cup system for a year unlike most of the draftees. He is a player that has the ability to player all over the park and adapt accordingly. He is very athletic for someone his height, 67cm standing jump, 78cm right run jump, one of the top tested in both categories. 2.88 for the 20m, 8.12 for agility again ranked him among the best at the camp. Standing at 192cm, he has a great starting point for an AFL career. One of the major things that attracts me to him is that not only is he an athlete standing at 192cm but his kicking skills are superb. He has come on very well from the start of the year with regards to his kicking, was a little shakey early on but seemed to have more confidence and became damaging towards the end of the year. Either foot, over most distances he'll find a target. As i said, he can really play him anywhere. Early on he played out of the goal square and across half forward (has kicked 2 bags of 4 and 3 bags of 3), with speed off the mark and his leap he could become a nightmare match-up. He pushed back near the end of the year, playing CHB or the 3rd man floating across and adapted pretty well. Ability to set play up while keeping players fairly quiet was impressive. He is aggressive, shows clean hands both above his head and below his knees and his set shots are classy. Solid in one-on-one contests, has the ability to get a fist on the footy and up forward can take a contested mark, not afraid to come over and hit packs hard.

I don't think anyone can question his talent, it is probably his output that doesn't see him press for higher claims in the draft. He's stepped up in a couple of games but really hasn't put in 4 quarter performances. This may be down to two things, his fitness base, which like most draftees needs to improve or/and his somewhat late entrance into the system. Don't see it having anything to do with attitude because he has seemingly progressed very well over the year and he puts in 2nd and 3rd efforts fairly regularly. He's probably still got a few things to learn whilst playing forward, when to lead, when to fly etc.

Going forward it is tough to say where he could be best utilized. Just turned 18, may be a few more cm in him and he'd be able to play at CHB or CHF, though at this stage, more than likely as a floating/attacking defender, on the wing, across half forward or out of the square. Considering the draft is somewhat shallow, i've got absolutely no hesitation in selecting him here because if he and a club puts it's all together he'll be a player. Talent i can't pass up at this point.

Have started to take a very big liking to your club. Last year you fellas nabbed my golden boy in Ziebell, now Kennedy and Cunnington, two favourties this year. Think Scott has some very good talent to work with.

 

[Rippednew1]

Thought i'd splash this your way now Ayden will be wearing blue and white from now on...

http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16228369&postcount=42



Have started to take a very big liking to your club. Last year you fellas nabbed my golden boy in Ziebell, now Kennedy and Cunnington, two favourties this year. Think Scott has some very good talent to work with.

Cheers good read. thumbsup'

 

[Bingo23]

Shane Watson (former Ranges coach now with us) must be a rap for him and must have pushed hard to convince us to take him.

 

[The Chiefton]

Shane Watson (former Ranges coach now with us) must be a rap for him and must have pushed hard to convince us to take him.

Bingo!

 

[curiousLplater]

Shane Watson (former Ranges coach now with us) must be a rap for him and must have pushed hard to convince us to take him.

watto had no say in it, they didn't even speak to him about it after his appointment.