This thread makes me sad
You shouldn't be as we used one of those picks to get Stratton.
When we traded Kennedy at the time he was struggling to get a game with the likes of Mitchell, Sewell, Lewis, Hodge all in the middle. Hadn't shown much and wanted opportunity to play. One of the other things we should note is we were probably in talks with Shaun Burgoyne as well.
Sydney to their credit identified a player and made him an offer of more years and money. Kennedy made the decision and the Hawks didn't stand in his way. At the time i felt Kennedy was a loss, not so much McGlynn as was always, and still am, a bit suspect on his kicking efficiency, something the Hawks obviously put alot of priority in.
One of the side benefits here is it helped change the perception of the Hawks being a club difficult to trade with. Players know we will deal with them honestly and respectfully and willing to help them get trades done and to clubs of their choice. In return we know are seeing other players wanting to join the Hawks and deals getting done and the best thing is players are coming for reduced amounts of money. At the time Kennedy's pay packet Sydney was offering was overs but as they say, hindsight is 20/20, and have gotten a bargain, some you win some you lose.
Kennedy will stay with Sydney no matter how much Hawthorn may want him back at the club.