Shane Kenny, the husband of Hockeyroo great Jodie, is stranded one game from major milestone

Shane Kenny, the husband of Hockeyroo great Jodie, is stranded one game short of a major milestone because of the coronavirus crisis. But having waited one and a half decades to reach 250 games, a philosophical Kenny says he can wait a little longer.

Shane Kenny, the husband of Hockeyroo great Jodie, is stranded one game short of a major milestone because of the coronavirus crisis.

For 15 years Kenny, a Redcliffe, Pine Rivers St Andrews and Commercial Club defender, has played top flight hockey only to find himself on 249 Division 1 games and stranded one short of a milestone match.

But having waited one and a half decades to reach 250 games, a philosophical Kenny says he can wait another few months – or even until next season if he has to.

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“I have plenty of time left to go,’’ the 31-year-old said.

Kenny said while “it would be awesome’’ if he notched 250 games this year, but if he had to wait, then no dramas.

Kenny’s fantastic career includes three club grand final appearances, two junior national title winning efforts and four Australian Hockey League premierships.

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It all started for Kenny at Pine Rivers St Andrews after he was encouraged into the sport by his hockey playing dad.

Commercial’s Shane Kenny, right, playing in the Tiger Turf Cup game.

“At the start I did not really enjoy it,’’ Kenny said.

“Then I think it was at about aged seven when I asked them (his parents) if I can play all of the time.

“I used to hit the hockey balls in the front yard each morning.

“It was pretty much the only sport I was dedicated to.’’

Kenny would pound the ball against the brick work of his family home or “with dad if I could get up earlier enough before he went to work’’.

“He always made time for me to have a hit around. He always supported the decisions I was making (around hockey).’’

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Kenny said he gained a spring in his step when he made his first Queensland side aged 12 years.

“From there I knew I could do something in the sport and meet a lot of people you don’t always see or hang around with during the year.

“We (Queensland) won the under 13s, 18s and four AHLs (Australian Hockey Leagues).

“Obviously playing for the (Queensland) Blades was something you strive to do.

“Getting to do it once was unreal, then obviously winning it was pretty surreal.’’

Husband and wife duo Jodie and Shane Kenny.

His mum and dad still have his under 13 winning state jersey as a prized possession, along with his first AHL title winning shirt – and the gold medal.

Of course Shane Kenny, the current Commercial captain, is not the only hockey playing Kenny in his household.

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His wife Jodie has been playing for the Hockeyroos since 2011, although she had some time away to become a mum.

So is there any room left for his memorabilia in the household given Jodie’s decorated career?

“Yes. She is not like that,’’ laughed Shane Kenny.

Asked did the pair help with each of their careers, Shane replied. “I’d like to think we helped each other.

“We are the two harshest critics of each other. It keeps us grounded,’’ said Shane, adding that on difficult training days they spur each other on.

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Kenny has always been a northside boy, having started with St Andrews, moved to Redcliffe and now plays with Commercial which is on the northside of Breakfast Creek.

He is a proud Pine Rivers SHS past student and has made a home in the Burpengary district.

Shane Kenny playing for Brisbane Fury. Photo by Andew Blanchard

The one thing he has not achieved in his club career is a premiership despite being to three grand finals.

“In 2009 we took it to Commercial in their golden era,’’ Kenny said.

“It (a premiership) is something you always look for and strive to get.’’

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FAST FACTS

* Captain of Commercial Hockey Club

* Has won multiple Australian Hockey League titles with Queensland Blades

* Represented Brisbane Blaze in the inaugural Hockey One national league in 2019

* Has also played for Pine Rivers St Andrews and Redcliffe Leagues in the Brisbane Hockey League

* Husband of Australian Hockeyroos player Jodie Kenny