Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy desperate for a podium finish at Paris Olympics

After playing nearly 120 games in the green and gold Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy wants more than jerseys to hang in her trophy cabinet.

While Alanna Kennedy has celebrated plenty of wins during her 118 caps for the Matildas, she is yet to stand on top of a podium at a major tournament – a situation she is desperate to rectify next year.

Kennedy has played at three Asian Cups, three World Cups and two Olympics – but never lifted a trophy.

At the 2014 and 2018 AFC Cups, the Matildas fell to Japan in the finals.

In 2021 at the Tokyo Olympics, they narrowly missed a spot on the podium when they lost the bronze-medal match 4-3 to the US.

This year, Kennedy and the Matildas faltered in the battle for third place at the FIFA World Cup when they lost to Sweden.

The Matildas haven’t won a major tournament since the Asian Cup in 2010, which was before Kennedy made her debut.

An emotional Alanna Kennedy following the Matildas’ loss to Nigeria at Brisbane Stadium in Brisbane in the group stage of the World Cup. (Photo by Patrick Hamilton / AFP)

“We have said it a few times now, we want to win some silverware,” Kennedy said.

“For me it’s a bit more of a less talking about it now and let’s put it into action. Let’s just make it happen.

“I’m sure everyone knows that we want to win silverware. For us as players, it’s frustrating to have fourth place in two major tournaments back-to-back.

“We’re looking to get ourselves on the podium (at the Olympics) and our goal is to win gold.

“We’ll get ourselves there first and foremost, then focus on that.”

Kennedy is a vital piece in the Matildas’ defence. Her absence was very noticeable at the World Cup when she was ruled out of a match due to concussion protocols.

However, no one is irreplaceable.

Kennedy said it was the drive to keep her spot on the national team that motivated her to perform and train at the highest level with English club Manchester City.

“For me to be able to play for the Matildas and make the squad is always such an honour and a privilege,” Kennedy said.

“I take a lot of pride in playing for the Matildas. I always want to be very present when I’m at club land but in the back of my mind is always the Matildas and what I can do to make sure that I’m always on that plane to wherever they are going.

Alanna Kennedy heads the ball away from France’s Kadidiatou Diani during the side’s World Cup quarter-final. Picture: FRANCK FIFE / AFP

“I just try to focus on continuing my form and wanting to always do the best for my country.

“I love representing the Tillies and being around the girls, so we all look forward to that.”

Spending so much time in the UK and being away from home for the domestic season, Kennedy said she hadn’t really grasped the impact of the World Cup on women’s football until she returned to Perth in October for the Olympic qualifiers.

“It was the first chance we got to see it for what it was since the World Cup had ended,” Kennedy said.

“I was shocked. I think we’re all really happy to embrace it because we’ve worked so hard for so many years and it’s really nice to see that people have continued to support us beyond the World Cup.

Alanna Kennedy was jubilant after Australia’s thrilling penalty shootout win over France at the World Cup. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images.

“As long as we can continue to play well on the world stage and back in our clubs as well. We have so many players who are doing really great things in women’s football.

“It’s a great team to get behind and we love the support the fans have shown us. Hopefully it continues into 2024.”

As a way to thank the fans, Kennedy, Caitlin Foord and Mackenzie Arnold are hosting an Open Air Live event at CommBank Stadium on December 21.

All three will demonstrate their on-field skills and talk about their careers and favourite moments from recent international games.

Kennedy said she was “really excited” about the event.

“I don’t think it has been done before,” she said.

“It’s exciting for us to be able to share our story and give back to people who have supported us for many years.

“Australia embraced us and we want to give back to those people who really made the World Cup a special time for us.”

Tickets are available at Ticketek.

Originally published as Matildas defender Alanna Kennedy desperate for a podium finish at Paris Olympics