Before Peter Knights is elevated to Hawthorn 'Legend' status at next week's Mid Season Ball, we are reflecting on our seven current Hawthorn Legends to remind fans of how incredibly special and accomplished this group is.
John Kennedy Snr
In addition to being regarded as one of the best coaches the game has ever seen, John Kennedy Snr’s playing career at Hawthorn was also spectacular.
Kennedy Snr won the club’s best and fairest award in four of his first five years.
He quickly built a reputation as a hard-working footballer, who placed a premium on the team’s approach to training and their attitude to improve.
This trait highlights why, upon his retirement in 1959, Kennedy made a smooth transition into coaching as he developed into one of the best in the game’s history.
He led the Hawks to their maiden VFL premiership in 1961, in a year that is remembered for its embodiment of the ‘Kennedy Spirit’.
Kennedy added two more premierships in 1971 and 1976 to truly etch his name as a Hawthorn immortal.
