Kennelly helps Sydney Swans reach another Grand Final

KERRY native Tadhg Kennelly last night helped the Sydney Swans into their second consecutive Grand Final of the Australian Football League — the first time the club have achieved back to back decider appearances since 1936.

The Listowel man made history 12 months ago when he became the first Irishman to win a Premiership title as the Swans collected their first crown in 72 years.

And now he is on the glory trail again.

Sydney co-captain Barry Hall has produced arguably the greatest performance of his 203-game career to lead the Swans into successive grand finals for the first time since 1936. Hall was simply unstoppable as he took 14 marks and kicked six goals to lead the Swans to a 19.13 (127) to 14.8 (92) victory over Fremantle in the first preliminary final in front of more than 61,000 fans at Telstra Stadium.

And it was just as well for the Swans that Hall was in such peerless form because Matthew Pavlich starred for the Dockers in a losing side with four goals.

The Swans play the winner of the other preliminary final between Adelaide and West Coast at AAMI Stadium in the premiership decider after terminating Fremantle’s late-season charge.

Coach Paul Roos praised Kennelly as an important cog in the team.

“I sense he realises the next three years are probably going to be the most fruitful for him, and hopefully for the footy club. He is only 25 and can still get better,” Roos said.

Kennelly will return to Ireland next month to link up with the Irish squad for the International Rules Series.

After months of soul searching and heart-wrenching discussions with his mother following the death of his father Tim last December, he has signed a final contract with the Swans to stay at the club until 2009.