Frank Kennedy

Recruited from Garfield in Gippsland, Frank Kennedy was a versatile follower and half-forward whose integration into the Melbourne side was significantly delayed by World War II. After training with the club as early as 1940, he finally made his senior debut in the opening round of 1944, instantly proving his worth by being named the Demons' best player in a loss to Richmond. His career momentum was frequently stalled by army obligations, which restricted him to sporadic appearances during the war years. Kennedy is perhaps best remembered for his dramatic cameo in the 1946 Grand Final against Essendon; after starting the match on the bench, he was introduced in the final quarter only to be reported for striking, earning a four-week suspension that delayed his start to the following season. He returned to play five final games in 1947 before his brief VFL career came to a close.