If you’d asked North Melbourne development coach John Lamont two weeks ago where Ayden Kennedy plays his best football, he’d have said ‘as a forward’.

But now, he’s not so sure.

“He’s taken huge steps in the right direction down back,” Lamont told kangaroos.com.au immediately following Werribee’s disappointing 45-point loss to Bendigo on Saturday afternoon.

“My gut feel a fortnight ago was he’s probably a better forward, but with his size, speed, lateral movement and his ability to kick the ball well, he’s got a lot of attributes that are pretty handy in the back half.”

Despite the defeat, Kennedy played his role well and was a shining light on an otherwise gloomy day for the Tigers at Windy Hill.

His rapid development will no doubt hold him in good stead to continue on at Aegis Park with the Kangaroos and gain another contract for 2013 and beyond.

“Which we need his type at North Melbourne; a key position player with an ability to go at either end,” Lamont added.

“He’s more of a natural forward, but he’s had these weeks in defence in the VFL and has been learning a fair bit about his positioning, being more competitive and working harder, so he’s definitely on the right track.”

Kennedy came to the Roos as an athletic forward with much work to do on his fitness. Things took a turn for the worse in 2011 when he injured his knee in a NAB Challenge pre-season match in Lavington against Greater Western Sydney.

But his application and dedication during rehabilitation saw him awarded with a one-year contract extension, and with time on his side at just 20-years of age, his future is looking as bright as ever.

“He’s come a really long way. Coming off a knee reconstruction and missing a full year is tough,” Lamont said.

For Kennedy, he’s just happy to be out there, regardless of which end he’s directed to play at.

“I don’t really have a preference, I’ll play wherever I’m needed,” he said in the Werribee rooms.

“I’ve swapped about five or six times from one end to the other since coming to North.

“Coming back from the knee injury, I think it was best to play as a back-man as it’s bit easier to get involved in the play and I really enjoy it.”

The former Eastern Ranges player understands it’s all part of becoming a well-rounded footballer and is learning valuable lessons as he goes along.
“As a defender, you learn all the things the backs don’t like,” he said.

“Running after a forward all around the ground is tiring, I’ve been watching their leading patterns and movement as the ball is coming in to learn the different ways to play.

“But being a forward also helps because I know where they’re going to lead so it’s a really good education to have knowledge of both ends.”

As far as his fitness goes; things are almost back to normal.

“This is probably the most games I’ve played in a row at the club which has been good.

“My knee’s pretty strong although I still tape it but that’s more of a mental thing. The biggest drama I had coming back was jumping but I’m confident with that now.”

But there’s always room for improvement and Kennedy knows he still has a long way to go in order to gain the necessary aerobic capacity needed at AFL level. That’s why he’s doing extra running sessions during the week.

That added effort is already paying dividends according to Lamont.

“He played the entire game today which was really pleasing. That was a specific plan we had for him; to let him go the distance and leave him out there and he responded well.”

Kennedy finished the game with 17 possessions and 4 marks.