Vale John Kennedy Senior

[Randall Stevens]

As others have said, Kanga is the most iconic individual in the history of our club.
Interesting to note that he coached Parkin, Joyce and Clarke (at North). So aside from the three flags he coached himself, another seven of our flags have been won by his ‘students’, and Parko won three more at Carlton.
I was lucky enough to hear him speak at various Hawthorn functions over the years, and his total command over an audience was amazing - you could hear a pin drop as the crowd hung on every word.
A legend in every sense who will never be forgotten.
R.I.P Kanga

 

[Goldhawk]

We were so blessed to have him at Hawthorn turning them from a struggling team into a respected and powerful Hawks team in the VFL and AFL

I was there to witness the 71 Grand Final in the cheer squad then, always remember Kanga moving B.Keddie to Full Forward in the last qrt, what a master stroke move that was.

R.I.P John Kennedy what a LEGEND.

 

[HAWKS HEROES]

R.I.P, LEGEND

 

[SSSSSS]

The embodiment of Hawthorn.

 

[LuckyHawk]

A great man who led an exceptional life. Don Cordner, Melbourne ruckman and brownlow medalist was asked
who was the best ruckman he faced. His reply was John Kennedy was his most difficult opponent.

 

[Bedi]

Amazing the first game he coached for North Melbourne against Hawthorn in 1985 was a draw. John Kennedy Jr played that day, and was still living with him at home.

 

[BaliHawk]

Many many JK storeys can be shared here.

Back in the 60’s Australia was deciding on changing our currency from pounds to dollars and cents or ‘the Royal’. There was going to be a referendum to decide.

Often for Hawthorn games the print media would send a junior journo to speak to Kennedy as he didn’t have a lot of time for them and often had no comment.

On this occasion after a game vs Fitzroy the junior journo arrived and requested Kennedy for his comments and was ready to walk away as usual empty handed .... yet on this occasion Kennedy responded that he did have a comment at which time the journo grabbed is pen and paper ready for a scoop, his comment ‘I’m in favour of the Royal’.


Sent from my iPhone using BigFooty.com

 

[KOLOKOTRONIS]

The Godfather and spiritual leader. A brilliant innings and a great inspiration.

KOLOKOTRONIS

 

[Davo-27]

seeing John Kennedy Snr talk in front of the players has always made me feel happy and now it gets me teary eyed knowing he has passed on, his message of keep it simple and improve workrate (just do, or man up or chase and tackle, whatever his message it was always just try your best) has always kept the club grounded, he is a great man and a good person and will be missed by everyone that is associated with Hawthorn.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Don’t think. (Mick.)
Don’t hope.
Do.

And Kanga did do.

Hawks’ most revered figure and certainly a coach you wouldn’t double cross.

John “Kanga” Kennedy, you did footy well.

Time for a few froffies with Crimmo and Dulcie not to mention Felix Russo.

1928-2020.

 

[RedmanWasHere]

Peter Knights.
Don Scott.
Graham Arthur.
Leigh Matthews.
Crimmo.
Alan Martello.
Leon Rice.
Barry Rowlings.
Peter Hudson.
Michael Moncrieff.

Just some of Kanga’s tutees.

 

[badgrill]

Nevertheless, a good player and the tallest half back flanker of his day (6’4”).

Parko just mentioned Lance at the funeral service

 

[MightyHawks]

Kennedy's commandos farewell a great of the game

A pandemic, not a lack of affection, made certain that John Kennedy Snr, among the most significant and revered figures in Australian football, was farewelled in person by just a small sparse gathering of mourners.

www.theage.com.au

 

[moginie]

Kennedy's commandos farewell a great of the game

A pandemic, not a lack of affection, made certain that John Kennedy Snr, among the most significant and revered figures in Australian football, was farewelled in person by just a small sparse gathering of mourners.

www.theage.com.au

That is a great article. The last paragraph sums up so much about our club.

 

[TheFourPillars]

Hawthorn FC on Twitter: "One year on, the mark this Legend left on our club remains as strong as ever. #Always https://t.co/H0sHj85F3n" / Twitter