Shane calls time on national career
Above: Shane Kenny in action for Brisbane Blaze this season
Shane Kenny - who grew up, plays and lives in the Moreton Bay region - has brought the curtain down on his trophy-laden national league hockey career.
The 35-year-old bowed out after helping Brisbane Blaze win bronze medals by beating Perth 4-3 in the national finals at Hobart on Sunday.
It was Kenny’s 101st match for Queensland Blades in the Australian Hockey League and then Brisbane in Hockey One, which replaced the AHL.
His hopes of finishing with a sixth national title in 13 years were dashed by Canberra Chill who beat the Blaze 3-2 in Saturday’s semi-final.
The Burpengary resident decided earlier this year it was time to step down from the national stage, but will still be chasing Brisbane League premierships with Pine Rivers St Andrews.
“I’m pretty happy with my career in the national league,” said the defender, who grew up in Strathpine and is married to former Australian Hockeyroos star Jodie Kenny.
“Physically, I reckon I could play into my 40s, but (Hockey One) being a home and away series puts demands on your time.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but I think it’s time - we have children and a business … and hopefully now more spare time.”
Kenny, who spent seven years playing at Redcliffe, said his favourite memories on the national stage included winning the 2015 AHL title with Queensland in Darwin when he scored his only national league goal.
Also lifting the Hockey One crown last season with Brisbane. “That was with a great bunch of blokes and the (Brisbane) women won as well,” he said.
Kenny had 13 years at national level with Queensland 2011-2018 and Brisbane 2019, 2022-2024 (no competitions in 2020-2021 due to COVID).
In that time, he won AHL titles with Queensland in 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 and a Hockey One crown with Brisbane in 2023.
Kenny has also played almost 350 games in the Brisbane Hockey League with his current club Pine Rivers St Andrews, Redcliffe (2005-2012) and Commercial.