Fresh-start success lured Kennedy

SYDNEY Swans recruit Josh Kennedy says his new club's reputation as a happy hunting ground for players seeking a fresh start was a factor in his move from Hawthorn.

Some of the Swans' greatest modern heroes - Tony Lockett, Barry Hall and current senior coach Paul Roos - all played outstanding football in Sydney after making their names elsewhere.

The recent success of former Collingwood flanker Rhyce Shaw, who finished runner-up to Ryan O'Keefe in the Bob Skilton Medal in his first year at the club, added to the lure.

"It's certainly something you weigh up," Kennedy said on Wednesday as he watched his new teammates in a gruelling hill session at Centennial Park.

"They've got a good record with Craig Bolton and Ted Richards - just a couple of names that come to mind.

"Obviously I've got a fair bit of improvement to go and a bit of hard work to do to create a name for myself, in a sense, but it was certainly a factor in making the decision."

Kennedy reiterated the difficulty of the decision to change clubs, given his family's illustrious history at Hawthorn.

His grandfather, John Kennedy, won four best and fairest awards at the Hawks before coaching the club to its first three premierships, while his father, John Kennedy Jr, won four flags during a 241-game playing career.

However, the 21-year-old said he was set on cementing his own place at the Swans after 13 games in three seasons with the Hawks.

Relative anonymity as an AFL player in Sydney was another attraction to moving north - albeit a minor one.

"I'm not one of those who was under the constant spotlight in Melbourne. It wasn't a massive factor. The factor for me was really opportunity and the chance to extend my career," he said.

Kennedy will have a slightly delayed start to pre-season training after undergoing a minor hip arthroscopy at the end of the season.

He said he would be able to join in running sessions when the entire Swans squad resumes training on November 2.