IN-FORM Sydney Swans defender Tadhg Kennelly has revealed he wants to continue playing in the AFL for "another couple of years".

There has been plenty of speculation about the Irishman's future, with Kennelly - who has battled knee problems in recent years - out of contract at the end of this season.

But the dashing defender has returned to his best after missing the first four games this year following knee surgery and his desire to play on will come as a major boost to the Swans.

"My body's feeling great, so as soon as we can I'll start talking about the next couple of years," Kennelly told afl.com.au.

"I want to be a Swan for the rest of my life and I can see myself playing for another couple of years no problem at all.

"So long as my body keeps going the way it's going - you get a lot wiser when you get older about how to look after your body.

"I'd like to sit down with the club in the next few weeks and iron out a contract."

The 29-year-old's reasons for wanting to keep playing are simple; he believes the Swans are again on the verge of something special.

Kennelly was a key member of the club's breakthrough 2005 flag, famously dancing an Irish jig after receiving his premiership medal.

That side was built over a number of years, first indicating its potential when it pushed the Brisbane Lions in a preliminary final in 2003.

The Lions would go on to win a third straight flag that year, while two years later the Swans would be holding aloft the premiership trophy.

Kennelly feels this year's Swans, who are sitting fifth with six wins and a draw from their opening 10 games, are moving in a similar direction.

"It's very similar. At that time [in 2003] we had a lot of senior players as well," Kennelly said.

"This year we've got a really good blend.

"There's a group of senior players who are leading by example, with Goodesy (Adam Goodes), Jude Bolton, Ryan O'Keefe, myself, Shawy (Rhyce Shaw) playing good footy.

"Back then we had Stuart Maxfield and Daryn Cresswell and those senior players and the likes of Ryan O'Keefe and myself were only starting off.

"There is a very similar feel."

Kennelly is enjoying helping out some of the team's younger players, including impressive first-year defender Alex Johnson.

And he doesn't want to miss out on a shot at more glory.

"It does get you motivated and does keep you up and about knowing this group is very close and going somewhere and you want to be a part of that," he said.

"That is a huge driving force to a lot of players, but especially as you're coming towards the end of your career.

"And you also want to help develop these younger players and give them as much advice and help as you can because we've obviously had a bit of success."

Kennelly is looking forward to Greater Western Sydney's arrival next season, admitting he's always been jealous of the AFL rivalries that exist in Adelaide and Perth.

He is also planning for the future. Kennelly has completed a teaching degree, is currently doing a coaching course and is also interested in the media.

But his main focus is still squarely on the field.

"Sometimes I pinch myself to think that I'm still here 12 years later and still playing a game I had no idea about," Kennelly said.

"When I first came out here I had absolutely no idea about the game, didn't know how to kick it, didn't know the rules and all that.

"It's been an amazing journey. To play in a premiership was amazing - and it's not over."

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL