Having outgrown the never-say-die underdog tag they wore with distinction in reaching the last eight in Canada four years ago, a maturing group of Matildas - Kennedy says - are ready to rock the establishment.
Ranked sixth in the world going into group games against debutants Italy (15) and Jamaica (53), and familiar foes Brazil (10), the 2018 Asian Cup runners up are feeling a sense of destiny.
But it’s predicated on far more than simply bravado.
“The last World Cup we did one better than the one before and won a knockout game and made history in doing that,” said the cultured centre-back who splits her playing time between Sydney FC in the W-League and Orlando Pride in the United States.
“It’s funny to look back on how happy we were with how we went back then - although when we lost to Japan we felt maybe we’d fallen a little bit short of our potential.
“Four years later we’re serious about winning the whole thing it’s pleasing to see how far we’ve come.
“We’ve always had this never-say-die approach and have revelled in being the underdogs.
“But now there’s also a real belief about us. Opponents take us very seriously - we’re a vastly different team to four years ago.
“We’re hoping this is our year and we believe that it will be.”
The upheaval of ex-Matildas mentor Alen Stajcic’s contentious axing and subsequent arrival of successor Ante Mililic has only hardened the team's resolve, according to the 24-year-old defensive anchor.
“It’s never a good time, and it’s never good news to lose the coach and there was a lot of disappointment around that,” added Kennedy.
“But we kept our focus on trying to regroup and look toward of the World Cup.
“I’m really proud of the way we’ve handled it all.
“Having the change that we did, the shake-up to the team, in a weird way we’ve sort of come full circle and overall I think the team is looking really refreshed.”
Kennedy said it’s been more about tweaks than radical shifts under former Olyroos and Young Socceroos coach Milicic, who had no experience in the women’s game before taking charge in February.
“He’s adapted really well to us, and us to him,” she said.
“He’s trusted us from the get-go and I think he’s bringing out the best in us.
“What makes this team so special is our personalities. He’s come in and accepted all of that and also brought his own ideas to add to our culture.
“I love his philosophy. The way he describes the game and the way he wants us to play.
“I think he will take us deep into the World Cup. Getting to the final is where we want to be.”
Four games under Milicic have yielded victories over New Zealand, Korea Republic and Argentina, with last month’s 5-3 friendly loss to the world No.1 United States in Denver exposing some frailties at the back and the gulf which still needs to be breached.
“Going into the game we lost Steph Catley to injury and it was a change for Gemma Simon to come in at left back,” Kennedy said.
“I think she did well but maybe the back four need more time together with everybody in case injuries to happen and you do have to fill in the gaps.”
