West Coast Eagles veteran Josh Kennedy to hang up boots after clash with Adelaide Crows at Optus Stadium

The final chapter of West Coast powerhouse Josh Kennedy’s illustrious career is set to be etched into the history books on Sunday, with the Eagles champion announcing his retirement.

The club’s all-time leading goal-scorer is set to hang up his boots in front of the Eagles faithful after the game against the Crows at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

Fans have been expecting the call for months but the 34-year-old made the official decision on Tuesday morning, revealing his 293rd game would be his last.

Kennedy said he had “mixed feelings” about the call but knew the time was right.

“I will be retiring this year and this will be my last game of AFL footy this weekend with the mighty West Coast Eagles,” he said on 6PR.

“It’s a bit sad and happy and I’m content with it.

“I think a lot of emotion will come out at the game.

“It’s been an amazing journey.”

Kennedy’s long list of individual accolades in his 17 seasons includes two Coleman medals (2015, 2016) and three All-Australian blazers (2015, 2016), while he is also a seven-time club leading goalkicker for West Coast.

After crossing to the Eagles from Carlton in the blockbuster trade for Chris Judd at the end of 2007, the former number four pick of the 2005 draft has worn the blue and gold #17 on 270 occasions and kicked 704 goals.

Camera Icon Josh Kennedy in action during a West Coast Eagles training session at Subiaco Oval, Perth. Credit: Michael Willson/The Slattery Media Group

Three of those majors came in the 2018 grand final, as Kennedy helped West Coast claim premiership victory over Collingwood.

Earlier this year, West Coast great Peter Sumich said he had no doubt Kennedy will be known as the greatest goal kicker in the club’s history when he calls time.

Sumich held the goals record at West Coast until 2018 when Kennedy booted his 515th major for the Eagles.

“He’s kicked almost 700 goals for West Coast and he’s already kicked his 700th career goal. He goes down as the greatest goal kicker at West Coast, which is well deserved,” Sumich told The West Australian.

Camera Icon Josh Kennedy. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Media

“He’s played a long career and he’s been outstanding.

“He’s one bloke that I’ve really taken note of that has been consistent. He doesn’t have too many lapses.

“What he’s done for West Coast, he goes down as one of the all-time greats.”

Kennedy’s announcement follows Fremantle veteran David Mundy announcing he would hang up his boots at the conclusion of the Dockers’ finals campaign.

JOSH KENNEDY

GAMES: 292*

GOALS: 715* (24th* most in AFL/VFL history)

EAGLES GOALS: 704* (most in club history)

AFL DEBUT: Carlton v Collingwood, round six 2006 (three disposals, no score)

EAGLES DEBUT: West Coast v Bulldogs, round six 2008 (15 disposals, one goal)

COLEMAN MEDALLIST: 2015 (80 goals), 2016 (82 goals)

ALL-AUSTRALIAN: 2015 (vice-captain), 2016, 2017 (vice-captain)

EAGLES LEADING GOALKICKER: 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020

GLENDINNING-ALLAN MEDAL: Round 20 2016, round six 2017, round seven 2020

10 GOALS IN A GAME: Three times –

· 11 v GWS, round eight 2014

· 10 v Bulldogs, round nine 2011

· 10 v Carlton, round two 2015