BY any measure Katie Kennedy’s experience at the Australian All Schools Championships for Australian rules in Sydney last week was a huge thrill and one she learned plenty from.

Bathurst talent Kennedy made her debut at national level and alongside her NSW team-mates, walked away with fourth place at the conclusion of the seven-day carnival.

While Victoria ran away to win the title as expected, NSW found themselves in the hunt for a top-three finish going into a decisive final match against Queensland.

They gave a good account of themselves, but eventually went down 36-19.

“We defeated the ACT and South Australia earlier in the tournament, and we lost to Western Australia and Victoria,” Kennedy explained.

“There were some very strong teams there, the Victorian girls were excellent.”

Katie’s mother Liz agreed.

“That side would give the Bushrangers a run for the money I reckon,” she said in reference to Bathurst’s men’s side.

Kennedy spent most of her time forward and though her primary role wasn’t to hurt the opposition on the scoreboard, she still managed one moment that she can savour forever.

“I was mostly either at full-forward or in a forward pocket and it was basically my job to try and win the ball and get it to some of the bigger girls. The ones who can kick a bit better than I can,” she said modestly.

“I did get to kick a goal on the SCG though. That was all I wanted to do and I managed it, so I was happy.”

The competition was a demanding one with games played on five of the seven days. On one of the rest days Kennedy and her team-mates climbed the Sydney Harbour Bridge, a demanding feat in itself.

In between times they also got to have a look around the GWS Giants’ training facilities and interact with some of the players.

“We met [GWS ruckman and ex-premiership player] Shane Mumford, we saw players like Adam Treloar and Tomas Bugg and ate lunch at a booth next to Tom Scully and Luke Power,” she said.

“It was a great experience off the field and during the games as well. I definitely feel like I’m a better player now having been part of it.

“I need to thank Kelso High School for all the help they’ve given me and the Bathurst Giants gave me a lot of assistance with fundraising as well and I need to thank them too.”

Kennedy’s next assignment will be a regional girl’s carnival in Wagga Wagga that will involve a Riverina side plus teams from the ACT and Victoria.

At this stage it looks like she will play with the Riverina team, but her father Mark Kennedy, a premiership winning coach, is hopeful of getting an outfit together from across the Central West.

Any players interested in being involved can contact him on 0423 037 168.