WEST Coast forward Josh Kennedy has no concerns post-season shoulder surgery will impact his 2019 campaign, with the dual Coleman medallist declaring he will be ready to go for the JLT Community Series.
Kennedy has relished a gradual build-up this summer, easing his way into his 14th season after nagging leg injuries in recent years.
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"I'll be pretty good for JLT. We've got an intraclub coming up around that time as well, so I'm hoping to be ready for that," Kennedy said.
"It has been real good it's nothing to do with my feet or my legs. I've been able to do a bit more running and get a bit more base (fitness) … and losing some weight is probably the big thing, getting a bit older now.
"Well ahead of where I was last year."
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The 31-year-old missed the opening three rounds last year due to off-season ankle surgery and a knee clean-up, then battled two hairline fractures in his right kicking leg.
Kennedy raced the clock to return for finals but, after a scratchy two-goal comeback in the qualifying final, he booted seven majors against Melbourne and Collingwood in the preliminary and Grand Finals as he secured a long-sought premiership medallion.
The Eagles went 13-0 with Kennedy and sidekick Jack Darling in the line-up last year, and the twin towers will be critical early next season after Mark LeCras' retirement and with pressure forward Jamie Cripps (foot) in doubt for the season-opener.
Kennedy, who will play his 200th game for West Coast in round one at Brisbane, is the club's all-time leading goalkicker with 551 majors and stands to benefit from new six-six-six rule changes coming into effect.
"I suppose having all forwards inside 50s and defenders, you're not going to be dealing with a spare defender for those bouncedowns," Kennedy said.
"It will be a little bit different, but I don't think it's going to change too much.
"It is good we get a bit of isolation. Changing the rules and going to that one-on-one footy is good for forwards and tall forwards, you don't want many guys coming back in your space.
"It's going to be interesting to see what other teams do, what teams come up with to strategise against it."
Kennedy is out of contract at the end of 2019 and, while he isn't thinking too far ahead, the veteran insists his love of the game remains.
"Not too fussed at the moment (about the contract), just want to get through this shoulder and get ready for round one, and all that stuff will take care of itself," Kennedy said.
"It's been a fantastic journey so far. You kind of hit that over-30 age now, seeing all our young kids come through, it's been pretty exciting.
"Obviously winning the 'Grannie' was something that topped it off."
Kennedy joined his teammates training at Lathlain Park on Monday morning in temperatures pushing 30 degrees.
Three-time All Australian defender Jeremy McGovern was a notable absentee after undergoing surgery on his broken ribs from last September.
A plate has reportedly been inserted after his ribs failed to heal naturally following the Grand Final.
McGovern is expected to be back running in about a week after his operation last Friday.