Kennedy was appointed captain of Footscray in 1986 after former captain Jim Edmond departed for . Footscray team manager Stephen Nash commented that while losing Edmond's experience was difficult (he had played 150 games for Footscray), he was confident Kennedy would fill the role. Kennedy played most of his career as a fullback represented Victoria at a State of Origin game in 1986. A tough and physical player, he was regularly sent to the VFL Tribunal.