THE SYDNEY Swans’ potent half-back line could become even more unpredictable in 2010, according to prodigal son Tadhg Kennelly.
Kennelly, who has returned from Ireland on a two-year contract, will join Rhyce Shaw, Nick Malceski and Martin Mattner as a defensive flanker with the licence to turn defence into attack at a moment’s notice.
Kennelly’s scything runs from defence have been something of a trademark during his 158-game career with the Swans, but he hinted that he could play a slightly different role in 2010.
“Obviously it will be great to have Rhyce Shaw and Nick Malceski up and going as well… [and] it gives one of us the opportunity to go into the midfield or half forward,” he said on Wednesday.
“I’m sure there will be a rotation policy that will happen and it’s something that the club was looking forward to last year before I made the decision to leave. Obviously we can look forward to doing it now in 2010.”
Kennelly’s 2008 season was blighted by a persistent shoulder injury that played a role in his decision to return to Ireland to play Gaelic football in January.
But he said the break had given his body a chance to rest and recover from the battering it copped in nine seasons of AFL football.
“Physically, I feel fantastic. I feel like I’m 25, 26 years of age again because I didn’t pick up any injuries over there,” he said.
“There’s a lot more running [in Gaelic football] than there is over here… and there is body contact, but it’s not as severe, obviously, because you don’t have to tackle. That’s been the best thing for my body.
“The shoulder’s fantastic and I can’t wait to get a good pre-season under my belt.”
Five of Kennelly’s teammates from the 2005 premiership were among the 12 departures from the Swans list, but the 28-year-old said he had no doubt the new-look squad would continue their legacy.
“We’ve lost a multitude of players, but I think [at] this club, of all clubs, we’ve set up a culture since Roosy’s been here where it doesn’t matter what players are here,” he said.
“Whether you’re an 18-, 19-year-old or Daniel Bradshaw or whoever coming into the club, it’s doesn’t really matter. You know what’s expected of you and that’s the major thing.
“Personnel doesn’t really matter in this football club. Players come and go through football clubs… but as long as you can have a legacy in a football club, that’s the most important thing as a footballer.”
Half-backs full on, says Kennelly
Tadhg Kennelly has hinted that the Swans' potent half-back line could free him up to play in midfield or the forward line
