by Ben Gilby (18/2/24)
Above: Alanna Kennedy breaks through for Australia against Iran in the previous stage of Olympic qualifying. Photo: Cat Bryant for Impetus 71.
Alanna Kennedy is back from injury and ready to play a leading role in getting the Matildas to the Paris Olympics.
Speaking to the gathered media, the defender said: “I’m feeling good and it’s been a couple of months since being with the Matildas, so I’m always looking forward to being back with the girls…it was a straightforward rehab for me. It’s been a straight road back to being available for playing.”
Next weekend sees Australia’s first international games of 2024 with a place in the Olympic Games at stake as they face off over two legs against Uzbekistan. You get the sense that Kennedy is champing at the bit to get back.
“For the majority of the time, to be settled in one place for a while, and have a break from all the travel is nice, but we’re all ready to be back in camp, and it’s an important camp for us. Everyone’s coming into good form and we’re ready to do a job of qualifying for the Olympics.”
Whilst the Matildas’ opponents fly under the radar somewhat, the Manchester City defender recognises that the green and gold come with a big target on their backs, and that patience will be a virtue.
“We all know for a team to have made it that far, they have some quality behind them. Any team we come up against at this stage will see us as a threat and play in a compact structure. It will be about patience and breaking down that structure. They will have a lot of motivation to create history. It will be a tough two games.”
Australia go into this two-legged tie without Sam Kerr, who ruptured her ACL during a Chelsea training camp over the WSL’s Christmas and New Year break. The loss of the Western Australian superstar is a big one, but Kennedy points to the World Cup as ample evidence that the Matildas are capable of making progress without their record scorer.
“We’re all heartbroken for Sam… but we can take confidence in the run we had at the World Cup (without her). Her leadership will still be present and she’ll want to be part of it in some capacity, but for other players, it is an opportunity to step up and show what they can do. I have confidence in the squad we have.”
Among those given an opportunity is 35-year-old icon of Australian football, Michelle Heyman. The Canberra United striker, who continues to show great form in the A-League Women is back in the national squad for the first time in six years. It is a return that thrills Kennedy.
“I’m really happy for Michelle. She’s been doing a great job for Canberra. Regardless of how many years it’s been, it is great that she’s been picked on her current form.”
The Matildas defender also hailed the first call-up for Kaitlyn Torpey, who has just sealed a move from Melbourne City to San Diego Wave in a record transfer deal.
“I’m excited for her, it’s great to have some young players around the setup. It’s great to see her play in the NWSL now, looking to better her game overseas. That mindset of the younger players is important. It’s easy to stay in your comfort zone around family and be at home. Whilst the A-League Women is a great league, there is a lot more experience to be had overseas.”
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