Having been only one of three Blues to play every game in 2024, midfielder Matthew Kennedy would've been shocked to hear Carlton wave him away to find a new home in 2025, ending his tenure at seven years in the navy Blue.
While Carlton are rife with midfield talent at their disposal, Kennedy adds a quality layer of midfield depth to any side seeking it, with a touch of forward craft to boot.
Taken with pick 13 back in the 2015 National Draft, Kennedy's breakout campaign didn't come until 2022, when he averaged nearly 25 disposals across 17 games as one of the primary options behind Patrick Cripps and Sam Walsh in the Blues' midfield brigade.
He has since fallen out in favour of Adam Cerra and George Hewett, but will likely find offers to play a similar role somewhere else.
We'll look at four clubs who could look to pounce on the out-of-favour Blue.
1. Collingwood
The Pies clearly need more young talent as their number one priority, but could absolutely benefit from a 27-year-old inside bull to take the load off Nick Daicos at stoppages.
Scott Pendlebury is on limited time, Tom Mitchell is well past his prime and Jordan De Goey cannot be relied on for a full season, leaving the Pies somewhat depleted through the middle.
They've got Daicos and Jack Crisp as their mainstays, Pat Lipinski primarily forward, while Fin Macrae, Lachie Sullivan, Jack Bytel and other youngsters remain unproven.
If the Pies wish to climb back into contention soon, they'll need more rock solid depth and stability in the centre, which Matt Kennedy could provide.
