AFL chiefs insist Kennelly will remain Down Under

AFL chiefs are adamant Tadhg Kennelly will remain in Australia in his new coaching role. Kennelly last weekend admitted he “hadn’t closed the door” on Kerry football but quotes on the Australian Football League’s official website insist the position will require the Listowel man to remain Down Under.

“Since announcing his retirement from the Sydney Swans during the 2011 season, Kennelly said he wasn’t sure if he would return to his native home or remain in his adopted country” said the report on afl.com.au.

“But the 30-year-old has taken on a number of responsibilities with the AFL that will ensure he stays in Australia and remain heavily involved in Australian football.”

Kennelly will be an assistant coach and mentor to the Australian Institute of Sport/AFL Academy level two squad, under head coach and former Swans team-mate, Michael O’Loughlin. He will also coach the NSW/ACT U16s, and assist with the region’s U18 squad. As part of his developmental role, he will be called upon to mentor non-natives coming to Australia to play in the AFL, including any Irish players, members of the U16 World XVIII and South Pacific teams.

AFL international development manager, Tony Woods declared Kennelly was ideal for the position. Woods said: “There are now more than 100,000 people playing our game throughout the world. In the next 12 months, the AFL will conduct international combines in Fiji, New Zealand, Europe, the Unites States and China.

“Tadhg’s life experiences playing AFL at the highest level will be invaluable to young players.”