To debut at the same ground where your grandfather starred isn’t how most football stories begin.
But for 18-year-old Joe Kennedy, that’s exactly how it unfolded.
On a chilly Melbourne afternoon at Moorabbin Oval, Joe ran out for his first VFL game with the Southport Sharks, adding a new chapter to a family legacy already steeped in footy history and in the club itself.
Joe is the grandson of Sandringham and St Kilda great Des Kennedy, and the son of Matthew Kennedy—former Brisbane Bear, inaugural Brisbane Lion, and Southport Hall of Famer. Some might say it was destiny.
Both Des and Matt worked at Southport, and Matt played a key role on field in U19 and senior premiership wins. Now, a third generation pulls on the black and white.
“It was quite an ironic weekend,” Matthew Kennedy said.
“Des, my dad, is a Hall of Famer for Sandringham. He coached and played in multiple premierships there, and was then drafted to St Kilda, whose home ground is Moorabbin.
“Unfortunately, Des passed away a few years ago to Alzheimer’s, but he would have been so proud of Joe.”
The parallels don’t end there. Joe played for Southport Sharks Juniors before following in his dad’s footsteps and pulling on the red and blue for Surfers Paradise. While Matthew arrived at Southport to play under his father’s guidance, Joe’s path back was driven by the strength of the program.
“We chose Southport because it was a harder road, because the side is chock full of talent,” Matthew said.
“So, for him to break through into that side, he’s going to have to do things the hard way.
“The other aspect was the coaching; I just think the coaching and the development he’ll get there exceeds anywhere else, it is of an AFL level.
“Hence why when I got the call from Fieldsy (Jarrod Field) initially that Joey might have a chance to be a train-on, we jumped at it.”
That decision is already bearing fruit. Joe’s rise has been swift, earning the attention of Southport’s General Manager of Football Operations, Jarrod Field.
“A lot of these young kids progress through the grades super quick if they are good,” Field said.
“They take to it like a duck takes to water, they are clean with their hands, and they make good decisions.
“And he’s done that. He’s gone from reserve grade level at QAFL, into QAFL seniors, into VFL in the space of 12 months.”
Joe Kennedy receiving his playing guernsey
And Joe didn’t just step up—he delivered. His debut showcased versatility, composure, and a relentless work ethic. Traits that clearly run in the family.
“He has good breeding for high level footy, and acquitted himself really well on debut,” Field said.
“Joe is a competitor, and I think that’s why I had no doubt he would be able to handle that level.
“He can play forward; he can play back. He played back on the weekend and did the job—and he holds his spot this weekend.”
Joe’s debut adds a new chapter to a legacy that stretches decades. Matthew made his mark in his first year at the Sharks, helping secure the U19 Premiership under the guidance of Des Kennedy and Norm Dare. By the age of 18, he’d stepped up to the Seniors, playing a key role in the club’s 1989 premiership win.
“My old man, Des, coached the team, so I came across to Southport with him as a 16-year-old,” Matthew said.
“We ended up winning that year’s flag. I had worked my way into the Under 19 team, then into seniors by the age of 18.
“My father continued to coach under Norman Dare, a footy legend at Southport.
“I then got drafted to the Bears, as they were known back then, when I was 19 years old.”
Now, another Kennedy is carving his own path at the club.
“He’s off to a good start,” Field said.
“Joe’s a terrific kid with a great attitude.
“He has got the potential to be the next great Kennedy.”
Joe travelled as an emergency, an important milestone for any young player. But this time, his chance came sooner than expected.
“Joey went down as a travelling emergency, which is really good as it means he’s getting closer,” Matthew said.
“The same thing happened to me a couple times as a young boy, and you sometimes get the call-up. So, it’s about making sure you’re prepared in those situations.
“When he told me he was a traveling emergency, I said, right, pack your boots.
“And he got the call-up. I was really proud.
“And I think part of the positive for Joe was that he didn’t have to think too much about it.
“It was just ‘You’re in—let’s go.’ So, there wasn’t time to get nervous.”
“We didn’t know he was going to play,” Field added.
“I called Maxxy (Matthew Kennedy) and said mate I’m really sorry to do this to you—I know you can’t get here now—but he’s going to debut today.”
Back home, Matthew was glued to the livestream.
The surname is familiar. The colours are the same. But Joe’s story is his own and it’s only just beginning.
