WEST Coast vice-captain Josh Kennedy put his own leadership ambitions to one side when he voted for teammate Shannon Hurn to take the top job. Kennedy was one of the Eagles vice-captains last season, along with Scott Selwood, and performed well as acting captain after Darren Glass retired. But the key forward believes Hurn was the best choice for the role in 2015 and beyond, and is happy to be his teammates deputy. It was great to see Bunga get it, Kennedy said. I voted for him. Hes a terrific player and a terrific leader. His knowledge of the game is above a lot of us. The way he communicates with all the boys is fantastic. Hes going to be a fantastic leader. Kennedy was one of several Eagles who embarked on a Christmas visit to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children on Tuesday afternoon. The 27-year-old said his body is in terrific shape after avoiding post-season surgery for one of the few times in his career. The Eagles trained solidly on Monday at Patersons Stadium and the increased size of several players was again noticeable. Will Schofield revealed that he had added 4kg to his frame and a number of the young midfielders have added significant muscle during the off-season after coach Adam Simpson spoke of the need for the Eagles midfield to add bulk at the end of last season. Kennedy said the muscle gains had been impressive, adding that there should be no fear of the Eagles losing any running capacity as a result. A few of the guys have come back a lot bigger and stronger, which has been fantastic, Kennedy said. And the group has still been running the same times as they were in previous years, so a lot of boys have been able to hold the weight and run the same times, which has been a positive. Hopefully we can hold that weight over this summer. It hasnt been too hot just yet, but its going to start ramping up, so hopefully we can hold it. Kennedy was also impressed by a number of the Eagles young recruits. Draftee Damien Cavka broke the clubs 2km time-trial record last week, running 5min 56sec to beat Chris Mastens previous mark by two seconds. Kennedy said he was also impressed by Tom Lamb, who had stayed with him during his first week at the club after being drafted with pick No.32 in the NAB AFL Draft. Lamb is an aspiring key forward and although he is being eased into his first pre-season he has been full of questions for the Eagles three-time leading goalkicker.
Posted on: Tue, 16 Dec 2014 09:19:58 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015