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AFL grand final: West Coast Eagles star Josh Kennedy will have mixed feelings watching Optus Stadium decider

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Mitchell WoodcockThe West Australian
West Coast forward Josh Kennedy says he will have mixed emotions watching Saturday’s historic AFL grand final at Optus Stadium.
Camera IconWest Coast forward Josh Kennedy says he will have mixed emotions watching Saturday’s historic AFL grand final at Optus Stadium. Credit: Cameron Spencer/AFL Media

West Coast forward Josh Kennedy says he will have mixed emotions watching Saturday’s historic AFL grand final at Optus Stadium.

Kennedy today joined fellow Northampton products in Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, former Fremantle midfielder Paul Hasleby and inaugural Eagle Andrew Lockyer, to present more than $170,000 raised for their community impacted by Cyclone Seroja in April.

The 34-year-old, who will play next season, said it was “a little bit tough” to be watching Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs playing in the decider from the stands.

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“These chances do not come around many times. Hopefully, we can get another grand final here,” he said.

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“I think just the vibe in Perth, everyone is excited. Optus Stadium is an unbelievable ground to play at but actually, to watch as well, it’s one of the best grounds in the world.

Northampton footy products Josh Kennedy, Patrick Cripps, Paul Hasleby and Andrew Lockyer.
Camera IconNorthampton footy products Josh Kennedy, Patrick Cripps, Paul Hasleby and Andrew Lockyer. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian

“I’m really looking forward to the day and I think it’s going to be a massive spectacle.

“I’ll be there, I wouldn’t miss it. I will be excited for probably three and a half quarters, then it will get to that last half when you know someone is going to win and then I’ll walk off and drown my sorrows.”

Cripps, while he felt for people in Melbourne who would not get to this year’s decider, he was pleased for West Australians to get the once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I feel for everyone in Melbourne at the moment, it’s not great over there… you come over here and it’s like a different world,” he said.

“I think for the players, I think they’d love to be playing in Melbourne, but the opportunity to play in any grand final is really special.

“You just know how much footy means to people over her. I’m going to go to the game with a few mates and my family. I’m looking forward to it.”

Northampton footy products Josh Kennedy, Patrick Cripps, Paul Hasleby and Andrew Lockyer.
Camera IconNorthampton footy products Josh Kennedy, Patrick Cripps, Paul Hasleby and Andrew Lockyer. Credit: Simon Santi/The West Australian

Both Cripps and Kennedy are tipping a close grand final but differ on the winner with the Blues midfielder backing the Demons, while the Eagles spearhead believes the Bulldogs will get the job done.

“Melbourne have been in form all year, but I think the Western Bulldogs have been the best side most of the year and at the back end had a few injuries and they did slip a little bit,” Kennedy said.

“I think it’s going to be a cracking game.”

Cripps said it was the battle of the two best midfields at the top of their game, with Melbourne getting the edge.

“My tip is Melbourne, but I can easily see the Bulldogs winning as well,” he said.

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