Jacob Kennerley Returns to Norwood

NORWOOD is pleased to announce the return of former junior and Geelong midfielder Jacob Kennerley for the 2021 SANFL Season.

Kennerley was drafted to Geelong in 2018 where he spent two seasons at Kardinia Park.

Despite not registering a game at AFL level, the 20-year-old was a solid contributor in the VFL side in 2019.

The elite endurance runner split his time between wing and half-back in his debut season in the VFL in 2019.

Kennerley will look to add a high work ethic and speed to the Norwood line up in 2021 with his ability to play inside or outside the midfield.

Football Operations Manager Mark Ross said we are delighted to welcome back Jacob to the football club.

“Jacob is quality person and footballer and will doubt have a significant impact on our playing group next season.

“He will inject a strong running and skill element into our line up and will be able to bring his AFL IQ to the playing group and some of our promising juniors coming through the ranks next season.

“We welcome Jacob and his family back to the Parade in 2021.”

Returning Redleg Jacob Kennerley said he was ecstatic to return to the Parade next season.

“It’s unreal to be returning to Norwood next season,” Kennerley said.

“Obviously, things didn’t work out for me at AFL level, however it’s nice knowing that I have a home to come back to at Norwood and back with my mates who I grew up playing Under 18s with.

“I’m delighted to be back around the area I went to school in and returning to such a familiar place where I grew up.”

After spending the past two seasons at Geelong, Kennerley said he learnt an enourmous amount from a star studded midfield which included, Gary Ablett, Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood, Cam Guthrie and Sam Menegola.

The 20-year old however placed particular attention on Sam Menegola, as a mentor in his first season at Kardinia Park.

“I obviously learnt a lot at my time at Geelong,” said Kennerley.

“There were a lot of senior figures around the club from playing, coaching, and supporting.

“The whole midfield group really got around the younger guys teaching us the tricks of the trade which for me is something you can’t take for granted.

“Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett, Patty Dangerfield, you see what those guys do on the field, but off the field that’s where they shine – teaching the younger guys their craft and ways to get better.

“As a mentor, I spent a lot of time with Sam Menegola as I played a similar role as he did. Sam took me under his wing, and I have learnt a lot from him both on and off the field.

“Overall, I am looking forward to coming back with that knowledge into the Norwood system and re-uniting with my mates and getting stuck into pre-season.”