Melbourne City star Alanna Kennedy taking on former teammates in W-League grand final

OF course it had to happen this way for Alanna Kennedy. The Melbourne City star, who jumped ship from Sydney FC, will come face-to-face with her old teammates in the W-League grand final.

Alanna Kennedy will tackle her former club in the W-League final.

OF course it had to happen this way for Alanna Kennedy.

Cross to Melbourne City from Sydney FC in the off-season.

Make the W-League grand final.

Play against your former team in the title decider.

Kennedy, with City forward Kyah Simon also in the same boat, admits it will be an “interesting experience” at Allianz Stadium on Sunday.

Alanna Kennedy clears from Brisbane’s Allira Toby in last week’s W-League semi-final win. Picture: Getty Images

But as far as the cross-border grand final week banter goes, the Matildas defender said she’s kept it pretty quiet.

“I guess if I had have stayed at Sydney I would have been in a final either way,” Kennedy said.

“A lot of my close friends have endured injuries this season, so I’m sad I’m not playing against them.

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“It’s going to be an interesting experience up against my former team, but I’m looking forward to it.”

One of those friends Kennedy speaks of is star striker Caitlin Foord, who suffered a serious foot injury in Sydney’s semi-final win over Newcastle last week and has to undergo surgery, putting April’s Asian Cup campaign in doubt.

Kennedy in action for Sydney FC last year. Picture: Getty Images

“She’s been a big part of their success towards the latter end of this season,” Kennedy said.

“It’s a huge loss for them, but I’m sure they’ll bounce back.”

Kennedy has now played for five W-League clubs, but has spent most of her time at Sydney since making her debut in 2010-11.

But with one eye on Matildas duties coming up, the 23-year-old said her switch south had been sound.

“I’ve loved my time here,” she said.

“I said at the start of the season I’d like to go somewhere I can challenge myself, somewhere new.

“I think that’s exactly what’s happened. It’s great to be around such high quality players and coaches and the facilities are unbelievable.

“I think it’s been a successful move. I guess we’ll find out how successful on Sunday.”

Originally published as Melbourne City star Alanna Kennedy taking on former teammates in W-League grand final