They say practice makes perfect, and for Alanna Kennedy that adage was true on Sunday as she delivered a sublime free kick in the second half of the #BigBlue to claim the Westfield W-League Goal of the Round.
It was Kennedy’s first game back for Sydney FC following her move from Melbourne in the offseason, and the Westfield Matilda said she was pleased to be back home with her family and friends.
GALLERY: Sky Blues’ W-League #BigBlue
“Whenever I get a chance I practice free kicks,” Kennedy said.
“At the end of a session when the strikers do finishing I’ll go down the opposite end and practice free kicks a couple of times a week, I take multiple over and over again until I’ve got a good feel.
“I definitely practice a lot so it’s good to see it come off.
“It felt really good to be back,” she continued.
“Going in to the game I hadn’t played with some of the girls but I think the chemistry on the field is there and I was really happy being back on the field playing with Sydney FC.
“I didn’t feel nervous, but there was a bit of anticipation to see how things would go with playing with players I hadn’t played with before or for a while. I realised pretty quickly that it wasn’t an issue and it just felt like another game for me.
“It was cool to play in front of my family and friends, they’re a huge part of the reason why I’m back at Sydney FC. I just love the club.”
Reflecting on the Sky Blues’ performance, Kennedy said the quality was there to deliver another title for the Sky Blues, as she said the Sky Blues’ current squad is one of the strongest in recent seasons.
“I think it’s probably one of the best Sydney FC teams we’ve had in a while,” Kennedy said.
“We’re yet to fully click on the field but I think the next couple of weeks I’m hoping we’re able to put it together.
“We have a very strong team, great players, I think [Danielle] Colaprico will be very strong for us this year and Caitlin Foord is a great player. We have the potential to do some really good things we just need to bring it together in the coming weeks.
“I think if all of us can individually have a good season that’s great but most importantly it’s about the team,” she continued.
“When we’re all playing at our best, trying to be as cohesive as possible, that’s the most important thing.
“The way we play, the combinations, you need to have that chemistry and there was glimpses of it at the weekend.
“We just need to finish off that final pass or shot. I’m sure if we do put it together we’ll be there at the end.”
Sydney FC’s Westfield W-League squad are next in action away to Canberra United on Sunday 2 December (kick off 4pm AEDT). Catch the Sky Blues’ in action away from home, we’ve got a bus & ticket combo just for you for Sunday’s clash!
