R4: Sydney will host the Western Bulldogs in what will be Josh Kennedy's 250th match. Pictures: AFL Photos

IT WILL be a milestone match like no other when Sydney's veteran star Josh Kennedy runs out on the SCG for his 250th game tonight.

>> FOLLOW IT LIVE IN MATCH CENTRE FROM 7.40pm AEST

The Swans are hosting the Western Bulldogs on the day Kennedy's grandfather, Hawthorn legend and a football icon, sadly passed away.

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During the week, coach John Longmire lavished praise on his champion midfielder, saying he will eventually retire as one of the game's greats.

"I feel very lucky to have coached Josh. He'll go down, whenever he finishes up, as not only one of the club's greats but also one of the all-time greats," Longmire said.

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"His record is extraordinary – not only his consistency from week to week over a long period of time but also how he's got the ability to rise to the biggest occasions.

"Some of his best performances have been in finals games and Grand Finals, when the heat's at its best."

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 Kennedy, the son of ex-Hawk John Kennedy jnr, played only 13 games in three seasons at Hawthorn before joining Sydney.

He headed to the Harbour City along with fellow ex-Hawk Ben McGlynn after the 2009 season for the modest return of picks 39, 46 and 70.

John Kennedy snr with grandson Josh and son John jnr in 2006. Picture: AFL Photos

He has made 236 appearances in red and white, was an integral member in the 2012 premiership side, is a three-time best and fairest winner and triple All-Australian, and has served as captain since 2017.

Only dual Brownlow medallist Gary Ablett has amassed more career contested possessions, yet he averages three per game more than the Little Master.