Western Bulldogs recruit Matt Kennedy says he is looking forward to a fresh start in Footscray.

The 27-year-old became a Bulldog in the dying minutes of the 2024 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period last week, landing at his third club after stints at GWS and Carlton.

“About a week ago I got the call from Bevo and Sammy. I had a really good chat with them and really liked their direction and the pitch they put forward to me,” he said on his first day at the Kennel.

“My manager sort of told me it could possibly be a late one – when he said late I didn’t know it was going to come down to the last four minutes so I had a bit of a heart attack there.

“It's pretty awesome - it's going to take a bit to get used to I think, but it's just exciting for me. It's a bit of a fresh start once again...I’m just really excited for the opportunity.”

Having played 118 AFL games across his nine-year career, Kennedy said he’s not finished learning.

“I think I can learn a lot (from the midfield group), but also it’s a young, hungry group which I think we can drive the standards together and make each other better - that really appeals to me,” he said.

“I think a club that’s had this much success, obviously there’s got to be a good culture and strong relationships with both players and coaches.

“I’m looking forward to writing a bit of my own story here.”