Josh Kennedy. Is he the best ever midfielder we've had?

[Doctor J.]

Big call it may be and don't get me wrong I'm not downplaying the work of Skilts, Kelly, Bedford and as for Williams, I was a massive fan of his even when he went to Carlton.

Goodes I think of him more of a Pavlich or James Hird (only better), yes he's played in the midfield, but in many other positions throughout his career to be regarded as only a midfielder.

I just believe Josh has taken his game to a new level, and as a pure midfielder his output is beyond belief. Might be an early call about where he sits in the pantheon of talented Swans midfielders we've had over our history, but he is the glue of this current very talented Swans side. Agree with Reggi about his performance in finals, that cannot be under valued.

[stellation]

I certainly can't remember a midfielder who has been as consistent for us; he has now played 107 games for Sydney, averages 25 disposals- 80 times out of those 107 he's collected more than 20 disposals (and in those 27 where he didn't there's a bunch of high teens). In the last 3 seasons (this one included) he's only failed to get 20 touches in 4 games, and in those 4 games he had 2 lots of 19 and 2 lots of 18.

He's putting in a hell of a season so far, he's had 20+ contested possessions in 5 of our 9 games- that's crazy. He's averaging 18 contested possessions a game, that's second only to Ablett who has 18.2. The 10th best guy in the comp in that category is getting nearly 5 less a game, it's a herculean effort.

[Reggi]

Whoops forgot Diesel...

Best ever clearance player - Diesel

Second best - Kennedy

Clearances Stats say Kennedy greatest ever bar none. Also Diesel had seen other players tackle, doubt he ever laid one

[ScottH]

Either you knew something or you're just very lucky.
As of this weekend Kennedy has just played his 107th game for the swans.
Williams played 107 games for the swans.

Unfortunately the not all stats are available for past players.
But here is a statistical comparison.

[Reggi]

Either you knew something or you're just lucky
[/table]

Diesel was great. But was legendary for having no accountability for his man. JPK is a bit younger than Diesel for the same games.

Played in different eras. Would suggest JPKs contemporaries are far better than Diesels

[aardvark]

Unfortunately the not all stats are available for past players.

Have you tried here Scott?
AFL Tables

Skilton average more kicks per game than any of the others but only 4 handballs per game. There used to be a joke about him telling the rest of the team it was their job to keep it there until he got there. Quite often he'd kick the ball then be the next Swan to touch the ball. Says quite a lot about the time he played in.

[ernie koala]

Clearances Stats say Kennedy greatest ever bar none. Also Diesel had seen other players tackle, doubt he ever laid one

Reggi, I don't know if you watched Diesel play, but I can tell you his vision and ability to put others in space(just ask G Healy)was second to none, his handballing out of congestion was sublime.

I love Joey, he's a great player, but he doesn't have the same vision or disposal skills of Diesel.

I'll give you tackles...But it's hard to compare other stats versus outcomes. Also different era, vastly different size players.

[ShockOfHair]

A pity they didn't measure uncontesteds in Diesel's day. But looking at the stats reminds of what an amazing ball-getting machine he was.

I think a more interesting question about Kennedy is: is he our most important player? Probably, because like Selwood and Gary he's consistent and almost impossible to stop. But I'd rank McVeigh, Jack and Richards up there too as our MIPs (just invented a new acronym!).

[Reggi]

Reggi, I don't know if you watched Diesel play, but I can tell you his vision and ability to put others in space(just ask G Healy)was second to none, his handballing out of congestion was .

Where did I say it wasn't

[ernie koala]

Where did I say it wasn't

I am suggesting in these areas ...ie : Vision, putting others into space, handballing out of congestion... Diesel is 2nd to none.

Given these skills are a major part of a clearance midfielder, I assume you think Kennedy is better...I don't.

[ScottH]

Have you tried here Scott?
AFL Tables

That is where I got them from.

[Industrial Fan]

Whatever the stats say - no one has shouted this down as a stupid suggestion which tells the story in itself. If he's not the best, he's bloody close.

Remarkably consistent, hasnt missed a game and I would say is the best in the league at freeing his arms in a tackle to release a handball.

[royboy42]

Different eras makes it so hard. I saw Skilton tear up the Roys too many times; saw Diesel do the same to every side, and loving Kennedy.
If I had to select onlyone in next week's team, it would be Diesel.
His receivers were always in such good position, and with Hanners, Jack (oh and 64 possession man Mitchell) et al, it would be a demolition.

[goods78]

I am suggesting in these areas ...ie : Vision, putting others into space, handballing out of congestion... Diesel is 2nd to none.

Given these skills are a major part of a clearance midfielder, I assume you think Kennedy is better...I don't.

A big pro for Diesel was his ability to dispose of the ball on both sides of his body - what a natural.

[AnnieH]

Joey's disposal skills can be ordinary at times... as are Hanners'.

I've been saying all season... it's one thing to get 100 possessions, but quite another to get 100% effective disposals.

That's not to say that the boy isn't a gun (and hanners too for that matter). Both of them have extraordinary football brains that are way beyond their years.

Give Joey another year and they'll stop talking about Ablett.