Strong performances followed by narrow misses against tough opponents have seen Australia come close to a long-sought-after medal but not quite get over the line.
Now, the 2024 Paris Olympics will be the defender’s third call-up for her nation at the prestigious competition and after tallying some of the highest number of minutes at the Olympics for Australia, Kennedy will be looking to lead by example in France.
LEADER
Since making her senior international debut against New Zealand in 2012, the 29-year-old has been a regular name on Australia’s squad sheet.
124 caps, nine goals, and a broken nose later, Kennedy is hoping to push aside the heartbreak from her previous two Olympic Games to create a moment of history for her nation.
Following on from Australia’s phenomenal performances at the 2023 World Cup, where they were dismissed from the competition on home soil after a defeat to England, Kennedy continued to be a key figure in Gareth Taylor’s side.
Her 20 appearances played an important role as City fought until the end of the Barclays Women’s Super League season, falling just short of the title on the final day.
Kennedy is a strong, versatile centre-back who has an eye for making a strong tackle and a clinical pass through opposition lines. Her height and willingness to win an aerial ball also helped City concede just 15 goals in the top-flight, the lowest of any team in the 2023/24 campaign.
And it’s these qualities that Australia will rely upon once again.
Kennedy: Need to Know
After being released by Tottenham Hotspur in May 2021, City announced the signing of Kennedy in August that same year.
Since then, she has made 49 appearances for the Club and scored one goal.
City are the tenth club she has represented, including four stints with Sydney FC, time in the NWSL with Orlando Pride among a few teams.
Kennedy is the eighth-highest-capped player for her nation. If Australia were to go all the way to the final and she featured in all six games, she could become joint fifth – an amazing achievement.
STEP BY STEP
Kennedy’s wisdom and determination will likely shine through again on one of the biggest international stages as she looks to overcome the Olympic defeats that haunt Australia.
In 2016, aged 21 at the time, Kennedy attended her first Olympic Games and she played every minute of all four games. After qualifying for the quarter-finals, Australia took their game against Brazil to penalties.
But their time in the tournament came to an end when Kennedy’s spot-kick was saved.
Four years later, Australia made progress. They reached the quarter-finals and overcame Great Britain before falling to a defeat against Sweden.
An intense 4-3 loss to the USA in the bronze medal match left Australia wanting more.
Perhaps Kennedy can help her nation go one step further this summer?
OLYMPICS SCHEDULE
The Matildas have been placed in Group B with Germany, USA and Zambia.
The times and venues are as follows:
Germany v Australia | 18:00 (UK) | Thursday 25 July | Stade Velodrome, Marseille |
Australia v Zambia | 18:00 (UK) | Sunday 28 July | Allianz Riviera, Nice |
Australia v United States | 18:00 (UK) | Wednesday 31 July | Stade Velodrome, Marseille |
