AFL Legend: John Kennedy Sr farewelled in Melbourne after ‘remarkable’ life

Hawthorn and AFL great John Kennedy still inspires footballers with his iconic “don’t think, do” speech during the 1975 VFL Grand Final and was showered with praise at his funeral in Melbourne on Thursday.

John Kennedy Sr had a profound effect on players.

AFL Legend John Kennedy Sr was remembered for his remarkable life before members of Hawthorn’s 1971 premiership side formed a guard of honour to farewell their coach and friend.

The former Hawthorn and North Melbourne coach, immortalised by his “don’t think, do” speech during the 1975 VFL Grand Final, passed away last Thursday, aged 91.

Kennedy Sr coached Hawthorn to its first three premierships in 1961, 1971 and 1976.

The three premiership captains joined a small group of family members at Our Lady of Victories Basilica Camberwell to celebrate the life of a man AFL great David Parkin, the 1971 skipper, said was held in “reverence” by anyone who played under him.

“It’s not difficult to understand why this man was held in such high esteem. It was more than that, it was reverence,” Parkin said.

“Today I hope can be remembered as a genuine celebration of a remarkable and in some way unique man’s life.”

Parkin said that every player who came in contact with Kennedy over his 18 seasons as a coach became a “better person” for Kennedy Sr’s influence.

“Outside of their family, he became the most significant and positive person in their lives,” Parkin said.

AFL Legend John Kennedy Sr with Coaching Legend David Parkin. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis

Kennedy Sr was remembered for his love of family, his objectivity when it came to hard decision-making, in life and football, and complete, unadulterated humility despite a life of such great achievements and one that had such a great influence on so many people.

“Never was the success due to his work and deeds. Never,” said Parkin, who was a teammate, colleague and friend of Kennedy’s for nearly 60 years.

“I sincerely hope that John Kennedy is never forgotten, for being reminded of Kennedy is being reminded of what Hawthorn is all about.”

Named the coach of Hawthorn’s team of the century, Kennedy Sr was remembered as being a great orator who would draw on the likes of William Shakespeare and Winston Churchill to inspire his players.

Parkin said several former players at Hawthorn, where Kennedy Sr also won four best and fairests, had returned to Waverley in recent days to visit the statue of their coach.

“To stand in front of his imposing statute, to pay homage and reflect on his legacy,” Parkin said.

“Because of the respect for the qualities of the man himself.”

Current Sydney Swans co-captain Josh Kennedy, a grandson of the man known as “Kanga”, couldn’t attend the service.

Coach John Longmire consoles Josh Kennedy in game number 250 after a moment’s silence in the memory of his grandfather John Kennedy Sr who passed away last Thursday ahead of the AFL match between the Sydney Swans and Western Bulldogs at the SCG. Picture. Phil Hillyard

But in a message read out by his father, John Kennedy Jr, the star Swan recalled memories of short, sharp notes he would get from his grandfather before various games during his own stellar 250-game career.

“They were so simple yet profoundly impactful,” the younger Kennedy said.

“I will certainly miss his guidance. His influence on us has been enormous.”

Originally published as AFL Legend: John Kennedy Sr farewelled in Melbourne after ‘remarkable’ life