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Tim Kennelly: Milestone means little without team’s support

Tim KennellyThe West Australian
Perth Heat captain Tim Kennelly brought up game 300.
Camera IconPerth Heat captain Tim Kennelly brought up game 300. Credit: James Worsfold/SMP Images

Coming off a series win on the road to close out 2019, the Heaters are looking forward to taking on four-time reigning champions the Brisbane Bandits this weekend back at home.

But for this week's column, I've been asked to talk a bit about the fact I was lucky enough to chalk up game number 300 against the Sydney Blue Sox since the reborn ABL back in 2010.

I would much rather focus on the team and how important the series is this weekend - especially after we lost to them in the championship series last year, but I'm also realistic enough to know that a milestone like that doesn’t come around too often.

Tim Kennelly back in 2014.
Camera IconTim Kennelly back in 2014. Credit: The West Australian

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It's as important for my family and friends, and our fans to not let things like that go by without recognition of some degree.

It's not really something I was thinking about at the time, but there was a bit of noise made about it and I did do an interview for the broadcast on Sunday. But it's something I'll probably reflect more on once my career finishes up.

The Game AFL 2024

Perth Heat has played a huge part of my life and I couldn't be more proud to represent this amazing franchise and to spend my whole ABL career playing for the same club.

It's been quite a journey over the 300 games, I have played with so many influential coaches and players it would be remiss of me to start naming them here because I'll only leave people out who deserve to be mentioned.

I'm lucky to have shared in six championships (four in the new ABL and two old Claxton Shields) with a lot of guys. Those memories will always be remembered and cherished.

A young Tim Kennelly, left, with former teammate Luke Hughes in 2009.
Camera IconA young Tim Kennelly, left, with former teammate Luke Hughes in 2009. Credit: WA News

Being able to play in front of my family, friends, wife and now kids is pretty special. My little boy Finn (three) really enjoys coming to games and I'm extremely lucky to be able to share these memories with him.

I'm still really enjoying playing with this young, talented playing group and I'm hoping to be able to share another championship with them. Preparation for another championship continues this weekend as we take on a successful Bandits team.

We know we are going to face some good pitching and a solid one-through-nine line-up so we will need to be on top of our game to take the series win and separate ourselves from the pack.

We're hoping for some big crowds and a loud atmosphere to help cheer us over the line.

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