BRISBANE Lions defender Pearce Hanley says the Irish bond in the AFL is so strong that he has based his game on Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly.
Hanley grew up in County Mayo in Ireland watching Kennelly star for the Swans and win the 2005 premiership, and said he hoped to face him at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
Hanley has been a revelation for the Lions this season, with his dashing play from half-back ensuring he is one of just five players to play every match.
He is openly a fan of Kennelly - who also forged his reputation as a dashing half-back - and said the Swans star had been a role model since he took up Australian football with the Lions at the end of 2007.
"Since I’ve got here, just what he’s done, he’s been a great player, he’s won a premiership, he’s done everything really," Hanley said.
"He’s even gone home and won an All Ireland, so whatever Tadhg’s done, he’s a good role model and I try and base my game off his really.
"I’ve spoken to him a few times. There hasn’t been too much through the season, it’s been a bit of a busy, tough year, but I still talk to the Irish boys and look out for them on the television."
Kennelly has struggled for form this season and was originally dropped for last Saturday's upset win over Geelong, but gained a reprieve with the late withdrawal of Nick Malceski.
Hanley said following the Swans' win over the Cats, he expected nothing short of a rugged examination this weekend.
Earlier this season they embarrassed the Lions by 65 points at the Gabba after leading by a 72 at half-time.
"They’re always tough to beat, a good one-on-one side and very good at contested ball so it’s going to be a tough game but we’re going down there with the right frame of mind," he said.
"We’re not in finals but we want to finish off the year strong. It slingshots us into next pre-season. You go into next pre-season knowing that you finished the year off strong."
Hanley said he would miss his first Christmas in Ireland to stay in Brisbane over the pre-season and build a base he hoped would carry him into the midfield next year.
Michael Whiting covers Brisbane Lions news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @mike_whiting
