The world of ‘dad’ jokes is officially open to star Sydney midfielder Josh Kennedy, but it will be no laughing matter on Saturday night as the Swans attempt to nab four points against Fremantle in Perth.
Kennedy was a notable absentee on Wednesday night when the Swans made the flight to Perth.
The 26-year-old was given permission to stay in Sydney to be with his partner Ana, who had given birth to their first child earlier that day.
Kennedy is due to fly to Perth on Friday morning, with coach John Longmire declaring the two-time All-Australian a certain starter against the Dockers.
“Everything was good,” Longmire said.
“He was fine. Ana was fine. The baby’s fine. It’s great everyone’s healthy, which is the main thing.
“Josh will be coming across first thing in the morning.”
Fremantle lost both of their matches last season to Sydney.
In round five at the SCG, Kennedy tallied 38 possessions and kicked a goal in Sydney’s 17-point win.
Then in the qualifying final, Kennedy racked up an equal game-high eight clearances as the Swans posted a 24-point triumph.
Kennedy will again be slated for a key role on Saturday night when two of the competition’s hottest midfield brigades go head to head.
The Swans will be boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Nick Smith, who has recovered from groin tightness.
Fremantle are hopeful goalsneak Michael Walters can recover from a rolled ankle in time to play.
Bright sunshine greeted the Swans on Thursday as they ran through their paces in Perth.
It’s in stark contrast to what they’ve encountered in Sydney in recent days, with heavy rain and cyclonic winds causing chaos.
“We trained indoors on Tuesday, so it might have effected us there a little bit, but not to a great extent,” Longmire said.
“It was a lighter session anyway. We have our main session on Thursday.
“It affected us getting into the footy club and away from the footy club, and it was pretty wet for three or four days. I have never seen anything like it.
“It’s been good over here to get some sun.”
