She may have been on the wrong end of the scoreline but there were plenty of positives for Alanna Kennedy in her return to action for Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League on Sunday.
Kennedy made her first appearance of the campaign in the 3-2 loss to Melbourne Victory at Jubilee Stadium after recovering from foot surgery.
And the Westfield Matildas defender was pretty impressive, making a host of key tackles and interceptions at the back while scoring a stunning free-kick that almost sparked a Sky Blues revival.
WATCH KENNEDY'S BRILLIANT FREE-KICK BELOW
“Physically I feel fine. I’ve been feeling good for a few weeks and my recovery has been pretty smooth,” Kennedy told reporters.
“It’s obviously my first game with a few different players that I haven’t played with before. I was pretty happy with how comfortable I felt with the girls.
“We do have a close team and everyone is quite encouraging on the field so it was easy for me to slot back in there.
“All together I feel good after my surgery.”
The 23-year-old has returned to Sydney FC this season after being a part of Melbourne City’s championship-winning team in 2017/18.
For Kennedy, who was born in Campbelltown, a return to the Sky Blues this season was an easy decision and she is confident of what the team can achieve.
“I have a history with the club and I was looking forward to working with Ante [coach Ante Juric]. I’ve been coached by him before and to have him as the head coach is exciting,” she said.
“A lot of the girls I’m friends with and being home around my family is important as well.
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GOAL OF THE ROUND: Alanna Kennedy - Sydney FC
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“I’m enjoying my time so far and I think we have a really good team and a lot of potential so I’m hoping we can get better from here.”
Sunday’s defeat has Sydney currently in seventh position on three points, three points outside of the top four.
They head to the nation’s capital on Sunday to take on sixth-placed Canberra United in a clash that could kick-start the campaign for either side.