Tanya Kennedy superb as Swans nab crucial AFLW top-eight spot

Tanya Kennedy and the Sydney Swans have qualified for a maiden AFLW finals series in thrilling style, kicking away from Fremantle on Sunday morning to win an arm wrestle by 22 points at Fremantle Oval and claim a finals berth in just its second season.

Robert Emmets clubwoman Kennedy was instrumental as the Swans bumped St Kilda out of the last top-eight spot with the 40-18 win.  

It all came down to the final quarter at Fremantle Oval, with the Swans holding a three-point lead at the last break against a desperate Dockers team that appeared intent on finishing its own season on a high and spoiling Sydney's November plans.

The visitors controlled the final quarter, however, kicking the only three goals of the term to break open an entertaining match that was played with a ferocious intensity as neither team gave an inch, with the final margin not reflecting the tightness of the match.

But Kennedy played a crucial role on Fremantle’s dangerwoman Kiara Bowers and had an impact offensively with 16 disposals and four clearances.

The result means all three Donegal AFLW stars, Niamh McLaughlin, Gold Coast Suns, Yvonne Bonner, Adelaide Crows and now Kennedy, Sydney Swans, are looking forward to final spots at the business end of the AFLW season.