Kenny braces for different kind of dirty work
JODIE Kenny does not mind getting her hands dirty, whether it’s changing nappies or playing hockey.
For the past nine months it was nappy changes that consumed her life with son Harry but today it’s a different sort of challenge when the Hockeyroos play New Zealand.
“I guess you could say I will be getting my hands dirty in a different way ... the physical hockey side rather than the mum side,’’ Kenny said. “Every time we play them it is very physical and challenging.
“There is a lot of body contact in tackles. It is tough but quite enjoyable as well. Us Aussies put up a good front with the body contact as well.’’
Power defender and key goalscorer Kenny has been one of the Hockeyroos’ form players in their two wins over Canada and Ghana, scoring three goals to take her past the great Alyson Annan’s Hockeyroos record of 11 Commonwealth Games goals.
Her effort to return to the fray so fit, focused and in-form after becoming a mother last year has impressed her teammates.
“It’s been good,’’ Kenny said. ‘‘I have been out of the village a few times and caught up with Harry. I won’t see him until semi-final times now.
“I am really missing him but I am enjoying being involved in the competition. It has been quite funny hearing some nappy stories from my husband.
“I am going to struggle with the (limited) sleep when I return. I slept in to 9.30am this morning which is unheard-of.’’
Kenny is playing on the Gold Coast less than two hours from her family farm at Wamuran, northwest of Brisbane.