We needed to enjoy ourselves: Kennelly
The Irish star explains how the Swans eased the pressure and felled the ladder leaders on Sunday
SYDNEY Swans star Tadhg Kennelly said he and his teammates tried not to let the pressure of a potential 3-5 record weigh them down as they prepared for their crunch game with Port Adelaide at the SCG on Sunday.
And a more relaxed, buoyant group of 22 players reaped the rewards against the Power as the Swans marched to a 31-point win.
While Kennelly's influence (25 possessions) had a big bearing on the contest, perhaps it was the Swans' mindset that played just as big a part.
Speaking after the match, the Irishman said his team had been low on confidence after two straight losses but players realised they needed to start enjoying their football if they were to have success.
"Blokes were going around with their heads down," Kennelly said.
"Look it's not rocket science, we're not trying to cure cancer, we're playing football … we should be enjoying it.
"We've got the best lifestyle in the world and that's what we really tried to get back at training this week, just enjoying it, being bubbly and happy," he said.
"It was very laboured the last two weeks, with the weight of the world on the shoulders and I think we kind of let that go a bit today."
Kennelly also spoke of his injury and his initial fears that his 2007 season might have been over, and his secret healing remedy to help him get back on the field so quickly.
"Plenty of Guinness and potatoes," Kennelly said.
"Oh, the doctor won't like that. No, I'm lucky I suppose, I'm just a quick healer.
"The first 48 hours [after the injury], everyone was saying it was six to eight weeks but it was constantly on my mind that I'm getting back as quick as I can.
"People were telling me eight weeks. No chance."
Kennelly trained on Friday but only confirmed his place in the Swans' line-up on Sunday morning after testing his knee with a leisurely jog.
"I woke up this morning at about 7am and went for a jog around the block. I didn't run too far, [it was] just more a peace of mind.
"I really wasn't over the line until I went for that jog this morning."