Kennelly planning to extend stay in Sydney

TADHG KENNELLY has all but closed the door on the possibility of another return to Kerry colours, by revealing his intention to continue playing with Sydney Swans in the AFL for “another couple of years”.

The Listowel man’s contract finishes at the end of the season but such is his form since returning to the New South Wales capital after his All-Ireland-winning season with the Kingdom in 2009, he is certain to be offered a new one.

The 2005 AFL premiership champion will turn 30 on July 1 and he is likely to be offered a two-year extension.

While it is not beyond the realms of possibility that Kennelly would throw his lot in with Kerry again for the 2014 season, when he would be approaching 33, it does seem unlikely, especially as he has had to contend with a number of knee injuries in recent years.

He would also have plenty of employment opportunities Down Under after his retirement, given his high profile.

There had been plenty of speculation that Kennelly might call it quits in the AFL when his current contract expired and renew his GAA career but the all-action defender is dreaming of further Premiership glory.

“My body’s feeling great, so as soon as we can, I’ll start talking about the next couple of years,” Kennelly said in an interview with 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 and iron out a contract.”

Kennelly is now earning coaching qualifications and with a teaching degree, as well as an interest in the media, he was planning for the future, and most likely a future in Australia.

“Sometimes I pinch myself to think I’m still here 12 years later. 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.

“It’s been an amazing journey. To play in a Premiership was amazing and it’s not over.”