The Swans also lost the opportunity to claim backto-back titles for the first time in their 110-year history. Kennelly, playing in his 122nd match, was generally on top of his game, but there were times, particularly in the first half, when he was indecisive about when to spoil and when to grab the oval ball and go.

In the second quarter, an uncharacteristic blunder resulted in him being penalised for holding onto the ball. West Coast capitalised from the resultant free kick and kicked a goal to underline their domination before the long break.

The Swans were lucky to be only 25 points down at half-time but in the second half they rediscovered their form and belief. Kennelly, who is equally skilled with both hand and foot, started to run and carry out of the backline, which, before the game, most experts agreed was critical to his team's chances of glory.

The result was an astonishing Sydney comeback which narrowed the deficit to only 11 points at threequarter time. But try as they might the Swans could not get their noses in front and the Eagles somehow held on for an 85-84 point win.

Last year, Kennelly's late father Tim attended the Grand Final to witness his son become the first Irishman in Australian football league (AFL) history to win a Premiership. The memories will forever remain with Tadhg, who showed his emotions when he cried in his mother's arms in the dressing room after the game. Jim Stynes remains the only Irishman to win Aussie rules' most prestigious individual honour . . . the Brownlow Medal . . . in 1991 but ask any player if he would rather win it or a Premiership and the latter always takes priority.

If the Swans had achieved consecutive Premierships it would have given the 25-yearold a legitimate claim to be the greatest Irishman in AFL history. He still has three years to claim that distinction but now, as Swans coach Paul Roos explained, is not the time for comparisons.

"Tadhg did a magnificent job for us today and I couldn't ask any more from him or the rest of the team, " the coach said.