Hurdle overcome, Josh Kennedy kicks scholarship goal for Richard Bartlett

His trip from Perth to Geraldton was as stop-start as his approach to the big sticks is.

But, in the end, as he so often does, Josh Kennedy kicked a goal.

Originally, the Northampton product was to spend a full day in Geraldton last week.

It ended up being a fleeting visit — but he put a jump in the step of those lucky enough to cross paths with him.

None more so than Chapman Valley’s Richard Bartlett, 16, who won an AFL scholarship Kennedy presents with the support of Warren Taylor Homes.

“Josh takes this (scholarship) very seriously,” his manager, Wayne Loxley, said.

Proof of such came on Tuesday last week, when an 8am flight Kennedy was booked on was put back to 11am.

“I got a call at 9.20am advising the flight had been cancelled,” Kennedy said.

Wanting to keep his appointment for the announcement of the scholarship winner, he packed his family in a car and drove here.

He flew back to Perth in the evening for duties with the West Coast Eagles.

“There is much (football) talent up here, but it can be so hard for families with costs and time,” he added.

“When I was a young fella, Mum didn’t have much but she made things work so I could further my career.

“This (scholarship) is designed to help a young player do the same.”

Valued at $5000, the award includes two pairs of boots, joggers, tracksuit and bag, two flights to Perth, tickets to an Eagles game and other forms of development — including face-to-face and telephone mentoring from Kennedy.