Carlton Blues AFL star Matthew Kennedy reveals he was once embarrassed about his Catholic faith

Carlton star Matthew Kennedy has admitted he was “ashamed of his faith” in the past.

The 26-year-old Blues midfielder, who has played 88 AFL games since being called up to the NSW Riverina, has Catholicism in his blood – Uncle Michael is the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, one of the largest dioceses in Australia.

And while he’s very open, honest and happy with his faith, he admitted there have been times when he’s worried about “fitting in” to the tough AFL world – so much so that he’s even been “ashamed” of his Christianity .

There have been times when he has even come under scrutiny for sharing some aspects of Catholicism that many – especially LGBTQI+ people and allies – disagree with.

When footy great Israel Folau effectively ended his professional career in Australia by posting “Hell Awaits Homosexuals” (as well as seven other “sins”), Kennedy showed his approval of the controversial photo by liking it. Just like another AFL star with a strong Christian faith: Gary Ablett Junior.

Pictured with fiancé Mary-Anne Canavan, Kennedy says what motivates him is different than ’90 percent’ of the football club

He admitted that at certain times in his football career he was ‘ashamed’ of his faith, fearing he wouldn’t fit in

It led to him being reprimanded by his club and the AFL, and him removing the ‘like’, with CEO Gillon McLachlan keen to keep the league ‘inclusive’, especially given the high percentage of gay AFLW players and fans.

It was in the years following the successful plebiscite on same-sex marriage that Folau’s views became even more public. LGBTQI+ people began to suffer a huge amount of homophobic abuse, both online and in person.

But while Kennedy agreed with the AFL’s determination, it was by no means an agreement on the issue itself, and he has admitted that the football world has put his faith to the test – though now unwavering.

“I used to, I know, I used to be ashamed. I had that fear of fitting in, or being disliked, because of my faith,” he told the Announce sun.

“But the one thing I’ve noticed is that the more open I am about it, especially in the football club environment, the more guys put their arm around me and really embrace that and support and really cheer me on.

“I always retreat to my faith. When things go bad, that’s my goal – faith and family, and there was probably a time when I lost my faith quite a bit.”

After being demoted to the rookie list in 2020, Kennedy (center) has revived his career and proved a handy help all around the field

It has also worked for the inside bull on the field.

After being demoted to the rookie list in 2020 amid a plethora of similar players at Carlton, Kennedy realized he needed to prepare for life after footy… but did so by training at home and becoming more professional in his preparation.

He was moved forward again last season after a consistent year and although he has struggled this year with injuries, playing time and constant position changes, he has still played 10 games and offered the side a lot with his toughness.

But in the end, it all comes back to his faith – something he thinks almost no other player can really understand.

“My goal is probably different than 90 percent of the guys here. But it’s different for everyone — and we encourage that,” he said.

Kennedy also explained exactly why mass was so important to him, aside from the fact that it introduced him to his stunning fiancé, Mary-Anne Canavan.

“(My dad) probably gave me the best advice he ever gave me – that you will have moments in your life where you lose track of your faith or that strong bond, but always go to mass. I kept it,” he said, describing missing it once, which led to a “guilt I never felt.”

“That’s how I met my fiancee, so I’m very grateful for that.”

Kennedy (pictured after proposing) credits the Mass for meeting his now-fiancée, Mary-Anne Canavan

The tough midfielder is determined to attend mass every week, even if he is away for a football game

That also applies to away games – there are no excuses for missing out on masses.

“Of course there’s always been a lot of traveling for football, but I always check Google to see where the nearest church is and what the masses are,” Kennedy said in 2016 of his faith.

“I feel that going to mass is good for my spiritual development and makes me a more complete person, which only improves my game.”

When it comes to homosexuality, the Catholic Church completely condemns it – although, of course, each Catholic may have different interpretations of their own faith.

According to the Compendium of the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “Homosexual acts are grave sins against chastity and expressions of the vice of lust.

‘They do not assume real affective and sexual complementarity. Under no circumstances can they be approved.’

But it’s been a long time since that infamous Folau post and Kennedy’s subsequent like.

And he will continue to put his faith, family and then footy above all else in his life.