Matthew Kennedy has officially been traded to the Western Bulldogs in a last-minute four-club trade.
The Blues gained pick 38 off Geelong in the trade with the blockbuster Bailey Smith deal headlining the move.
Despite playing all 24 games in 2024, Kennedy was asked to assess his future at Carlton during his exit meeting. This year he averaged 18 disposals a game and kicked 16 goals as midfielder-forward, whilst two years ago he averaged 24.5 disposals and 4.3 inside 50s as an inside midfielder.
Kennedy, joining his third club after playing two seasons at GWS, will provide added depth to the Bulldogs list who have moved on Jack Macrae and Bailey Smith before the trade period deadline.
Kennedy will squeeze in alongside Marcus Bontempelli and Adam Treloar in a talented midfield, or can rove the forward line and provide assistance to Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, Aaron Naughton, and Cody Weightman.
Carlton have been ruthless in the approach to their list for 2025, suggesting Kennedy, Lewis Young and Matt Owies seek new homes for next year, despite Kennedy and Young still having one year remaining on their contracts. Owies was traded to West Coast as a part of a three-team deal that also saw Liam Baker join the former Blue in Eagles colours on Tuesday, whilst Young looks likely to see out his contract.
The exits of Kennedy and Owies clear up cap space for Carlton, allowing more list flexibility, whilst the gathered Picks of 3, 38, 63, 68, 69, and 72 provide draft points for the Blues to match the bids for the father-son Camporeale twins.