Kennelly helps Swans reach Grand Final

SIX years after taking up Australian Rules Football, Kerry native Tadhg Kennelly will play in the sport's biggest day - the AFL Grand Final.

Last night, Kennelly, watched by his parents Tim and Nuala along with brother Noel and uncle Mike, helped the Sydney Swans to a stunning victory over St Kildas in the preliminary final.

The Swans won their first such fixture at the Melbourne Cricket Ground since 1936 to move into only their second Grand Final since 1945 as they steamrolled a tired Saints' outfit in the final term with seven unanswered goals to win 15.6 (96) to 9.11 (65) before more than 73,000 fans.