There’s a lasting image on the 2005 premiership dais which resonates with Swans supporters far and wide.
From the outer at the SCG to the fields of County Kerry.
It’s up there with coach Paul Roos’ famous “Here it is!” salute and the jubilant celebrations by players and long-time fans as the drought-breaking win hit home.
Tadhg Kennelly showcasing his roots with an Irish jig, with his medallion proudly adorned around his neck, has been immortalised in the Bloods’ story.
Kennelly himself was etched in the club’s history books at Wednesday night's Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner inside The Star Events Centre.
The 197-game defender was the 61st member welcomed into the Hall of Fame, joining an esteemed list of ‘fourth era’ inductees including Barry Round, Greg Williams and Tony Lockett.
Little did the AFL know in 1999 that it was not only unearthing a superstar of the game but, much in the same mould as the late Jim Stynes, pave the way and encourage future international recruits to learn and love Australian Rules football.
After arriving at the Swans via a rookie contract, a very green Kennelly spent hours upon hours learning the craft and adapting to a new way of life.
It was tough road for the son of a Gaelic Football champion who had never previously travelled abroad.
Kennelly was quoted as saying there were times when a one-way ticket to London was a very real possibility and, if it wasn’t for Swans’ former development coach and long-time father-figure George Stone, he would have packed up and left everything behind.
Swans supporters are to this day thankful Kennelly stuck to the task.
Kennelly acclimatized to the game strikingly well, his natural athleticism and sheer determination earning him a round 14 debut against Carlton in 2001.
He entrenched himself in the Swans’ line-up and would go on to play an integral role in the club’s back-to-back grand final appearances in 2005 and 2006.
The number 17 was front and centre to Leo Barry’s famous mark in the '05 triumph and was famously pictured jumping on the full-back in elation as the final siren sounded, confirming Kennelly’s status as the AFL’s first Irish-born player to receive a premiership medallion.
Tadhg Kennelly
Date of Birth: 1st July, 1981
Career: 2001-2011
Games: 197
Goals: 30
Honours: Sydney Swans premiership side 2005
