GWS Giants Adam Kennedy and Tanya Hetherington see the light at the end of the tunnel after suffering serious ACL injuries
ACL injuries shortened the career of Adam Kennedy and delayed the start of Tanya Hetherington’s. Now, these GWS Giants are recovered, reinvigorated and ready to make up for lost time.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The road to recovery is paved with heartbreak, but it’s a journey that has GWS Giants duo Adam Kennedy and Tanya Hetherington more ready than ever to make an impact in 2018.
This year was meant to be a breakout season for the pair.
Kennedy had cemented his role within the AFL squad while Hetherington was set to be drafted into the AFLW’s inaugural season.
Unfortunately, what should have been a year to remember was cruelled by severe ACL injuries.
Kennedy missed most of what was a triumphant season for GWS after hurting his ACL during a match against St Kilda in round seven.
Meanwhile Hetherington tore hers while captaining Victoria Creek in the VFL Women’s competition in 2015, ultimately keeping her out of the 2016 AFLW draft.
“It was tough,” the 32 year old said.
“I actually live with two housemates who were both drafted, one played for the Bulldogs and one for Carlton, so I was envious of the fact that the girls were out there and were amazing.
“But I knew that if I just got back onto the field, I would get my chance.”
Now with the emotional and physical pain of their injuries mostly behind them, both stars are using their missed opportunities as fuel heading into 2018.
“I’m grateful to be a part of AFLW 2,” said Hetherington, who was drafted by the Giants in October after returning from injury to lead her team to the VFLW grand final.
“They’re a great bunch of girls. The intensity’s up and there’s a really strong camraderie there.
“It’s a really good feeling.”
Although he said he would have “loved” to play in the Giants’ preliminary final against Richmond, 25 year old Kennedy sees a light at the end of the tunnel.
“(The knee’s) feeling really good,” he said.
“The rehab’s going really well. I’m back running, doing a lot of change of direction. I can’t really put a date on it yet but hopefully post-Christmas I can start to go into a few drills and build from there.
“For me at the moment, it's all about getting my body right, getting back into the team and hopefully we can take it that one step further in 2018.”