Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy has opened up about the challenges she has faced over the past two years, including injuries and the fear that her dreams of playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup were slipping away. Kennedy, who will be competing in her third World Cup, has endured multiple injuries, including a broken shoulder and repetitive calf injury, which kept her sidelined for nine months. The 28-year-old has described the experience as frustrating and stressful but has found resilience and determination to come back stronger.
Kennedy revealed that her journey back to the game was a difficult one, starting with a shoulder injury followed by a tendon issue in the back of her knee. It took her longer than expected to find a plan that worked for her recovery, but in the past six weeks, she has experienced a significant turnaround. Her mindset has shifted, and she now feels like she’s on the right path and injury-free.
The Manchester City player admitted that rehabbing overseas was a lonely experience but emphasized the importance of staying connected with her teammates and friends back home in Australia. Kennedy praised the support system within the Matildas family, where injured players leaned on each other for support and motivation.
Despite the challenges she has faced, Kennedy never doubted her return to play for the Matildas. She remained determined and was unwilling to give up on herself. Now that she is fully fit and back in form, Kennedy is aware of the high expectations surrounding the team and their performance on home soil. She recognizes the unique opportunity for the whole of Australia to witness and support women’s football and hopes to embrace the positive aspects of the upcoming World Cup.
Kennedy acknowledges there will always be nerves, but she believes that having the crowd behind them will give the Matildas a boost rather than burden them with pressure. The support and atmosphere generated by the crowds in recent years have motivated and energized the team. Kennedy is looking forward to leveraging that support and giving her all in the tournament.
As Alanna Kennedy enters her third FIFA Women’s World Cup, she cherishes this opportunity more than ever. Her journey back from injury has been challenging, but her determination to represent the Matildas and make an impact on the world stage remains as strong as ever. She is ready to overcome any obstacles and help lead her team to a successful World Cup campaign.
