Former AFL player Ben Kennedy joins Kingston for 2025 KNTFL season

A former AFL player has joined a new outfit ahead of season 2025 after leading his club to an epic 2024 premiership win in one of the biggest local footy player moves so far.

A local SA footy superstar has joined a new club ahead of season 2025 in one of the biggest moves of the off-season so far.

Myponga-Sellicks champion Ben Kennedy, who played 40 combined AFL games for Collingwood and Melbourne, has joined Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League club Kingston.

Kennedy spent the last four seasons with the Mudlarks, winning multiple coaches MVP awards and producing a best on ground performance in the club’s 40-year drought-breaking premiership win against Victor Harbor this year.

“I just love that club,” Kennedy said of Myponga-Sellicks.

“I was a bit apprehensive at first when I got there but it was such a welcoming place and I loved all of the people there.

Ben Kennedy (right) celebrates Myponga-Sellicks' 2024 premiership with brother Sam. He has joined Kingston for 2025. Picture: Dos Photography

“Once I fulfilled that obligation of winning a flag there was always going to be a decision to make and Kingston offered me a bit of flexibility with my time and I’m really excited by the young list they’ve got.”

He will join new Kingston playing-coach, former North Adelaide premiership star Alex Barns, as the Saints look to rebound after a challenging 2024 KNTFL season.

Kennedy will join new Kingston playing-coach, former North Adelaide premiership star Alex Barns, as the Saints look to rebound after a challenging 2024 KNTFL season.

He said he was excited by the opportunity of playing alongside Barns - also a childhood friend of Kennedy’s - and helping the Saints to break a 40-year premiership drought of their own.

Kennedy is presented with his best on ground medal during this year's GSFL grand final by Tony Modra. Picture: Dos Photography

“To play with Alex will be awesome, we never really got to play alongside each other during our school days together so I’m looking forward to it.

“I find the challenge of helping the club back to that major success to be an exciting one - I love having my back against the wall.

“I’m keen to get to the club, meet everyone and hopefully produce as strong a year as I had in 2024 while also helping the younger guys in similar positions to me develop and improve.”

While the Saints missed eighth last season, Kennedy was confident the club could return to finals in 2025 and be a contender for the flag.

“I’ve got high hopes and aspirations and I wouldn’t be joining if I didn’t think we could get there,” he said.

Kennedy celebrates a goal for Melbourne against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about the direction the club is going in and I’m confident we can make finals and compete from there.”

Kennedy is Barns’ first major recruit since recently joining the club as playing-coach.

He said he was excited by the star utility’s arrival.

“It’s a huge get for the club to have a player and person of Ben’s quality join us,” Barns said.

“He’s so experienced and will set a great example for our young guys.

“His talent and performance has been there for everyone to see for a long time now and he will inject a spark around the ball for us and be damaging around the goals too.”