Josh Kennedy Backs West Coast Eagles to Overcome Losing Streak Against North Melbourne
Former West Coast Eagles star Josh Kennedy has expressed strong confidence that the current Eagles squad will not be burdened by the pressure of their ongoing losing streak as they prepare for a crucial clash against North Melbourne. The Eagles are set to enter Sunday's game at Optus Stadium with 14 consecutive losses, just two shy of the club's all-time record of 16 defeats.
Focus on Future Wins Over Past Records
Kennedy, a revered figure in West Coast history, emphasized that players typically disregard historical records and instead concentrate on their performance on the field. "There's all of those records but players don't worry about them. You don't care and you just zone out of them," he told The West Australian. "You know that records like that don't matter in the future when you start winning." He added that the team's mindset remains unchanged regardless of the opponent, with a belief in winning every game, even as fans might anticipate certain victories, especially at home.
North Melbourne, despite being a bottom-four team for the past six seasons and winning only five games last year, showed impressive form with a home victory over Port Adelaide last week. Bookmakers have subsequently installed them as clear favourites for the upcoming match. Kennedy acknowledged this challenge, noting that North's recent performance makes them a formidable opponent, but he stressed that West Coast's approach will not waver.
Patience and Hard Work Key for Young Squad
With West Coast fielding a young team aiming to climb the AFL ladder, Kennedy highlighted the importance of patience and persistence. He drew parallels to his own experience in 2010 when the Eagles won the wooden spoon with just four victories, describing it as a difficult period. "It is hard when you're consistently losing," he said. "The wins you have instil belief in what you're doing. You are looking in the mirror constantly at yourself and your team because you know where you are at." Kennedy reassured that as long as the players continue to put in the hard work during training, wins will eventually follow, building confidence and momentum.
Kennedy's Role in Sustainability Initiative at Optus Stadium
Beyond the game, Kennedy will have added interest in the weekend's events at Optus Stadium as an ambassador for NickNack, the new reusable cup system being introduced. Optus Stadium is pioneering this initiative as Australia's first major stadium to implement a venue-wide 100% reusable drink cup system. Each cup is designed for up to 500 reuse cycles, with the capacity to wash and clean 10,000 cups per hour.
Kennedy expressed hope for the expansion of this eco-friendly system across Australia, citing its successful use overseas at events for artists like Coldplay and Bruce Springsteen. "We know single-use plastic is a massive issue so having re-usable cups at a stadium reduces that footprint," he said, underscoring the environmental benefits of reducing plastic waste in large venues.
As West Coast Eagles gear up for their match against North Melbourne, Kennedy's insights offer a blend of sporting optimism and environmental advocacy, highlighting both the team's resilience and the stadium's commitment to sustainability.
