Kennedy helps Sydney to historic first AFLW preliminary final appearance
Tanya Kennedy played a key role as Sydney Swans secured a place in the AFLW preliminary finals for the first time in the club's history.
The Castlefin native was central to Sydney's midfield performance as they edged past Geelong in a dramatic semi-final encounter on Saturday.
The Swans looked to be in control for much of the contest and held a 10-point advantage heading into the final quarter. However, Geelong mounted a strong late challenge before Sydney held on to claim a narrow three-point victory.
Kennedy's defensive work was a major talking point afterwards, particularly her efforts to limit the influence of Geelong midfielder Georgie Prespakis.
The former Donegal star finished with six tackles, 17 disposals and five clearances, while Prespakis was restricted to 22 possessions.
That was a notable reduction on the 30.6 disposals per game the Geelong star had averaged before Saturday's encounter.
Coach Daniel Harford was among those who praised Kennedy's performance during Fox Footy's post-match coverage.
"She (Georgie) got a bit frustrated, particularly through that third quarter, as did her team I must admit, but I think Tanya wins the battle.
"Georgie fought really hard and it's no slight on her, she was up against a player - and a team - that was really hungry and working to make sure things went their way."
Sydney's reward is a preliminary final meeting with North Melbourne on Saturday, November 21, at Ikon Park in Melbourne, with a place in the AFLW Grand Final at stake.