Dual Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy has booted seven goals to guide West Coast to a commanding 43-point season-opening AFL win over North Melbourne.
Three of Kennedy’s majors came during a dominant third quarter as the Eagles shook off a slow start and surged to a 21.10 (136) to 13.15 (93) victory at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
It was the new-look North Melbourne who looked the more dangerous side in the early going, especially when former Kangaroos star Drew Petrie went to the Eagles rooms with a hand injury.
Former Geelong big man Nathan Vardy also copped a niggle, forcing West Coast to improvise with Jack Darling and Jeremy McGovern in the ruck against the imposing Todd Goldstein.
The Kangaroos, who lost 1500 games of experience with the off-season departure of several key veterans, led by nine points at the first break and impressed with their speed and pressure.
But West Coast’s ruck duo soon returned and the Eagles kicked in to gear in the second quarter, sparked by three goals in quick succession from crafty veteran Mark LeCras.
The Eagles led by a goal at halftime and put the Kangaroos to the sword after the break, driven by a super effort from Kennedy.
The gun forward’s performance shows he is every chance of becoming the first player since Geelong legend Gary Ablett Sr to top the AFL’s goalkicking tally for a third straight year.
There was plenty to like for the Eagles, with a best-on-ground performance from Elliot Yeo (26 touches, two goals), suggesting he may be ready to live up to his considerable potential.
Star recruit Sam Mitchell – the oldest player to ever line up for West Coast, after his shock trade from Hawthorn – was also impressive for his new side.
The 34-year-old racked up 38 touches and looks set to make a big impact on an Eagles side firmly within their premiership window.
Lroy
Guest
Agreed, they need to find a spot for Schofield as well, he is way too talented to be playing for East Perth, they could do worse than stick him on the wing. Disappointed the Guv didnt get a run in the forward line, if Kennedy gets shut down, as happened in the GF in 2015 and the finals last year they need to be able to find someone else who can kick a few. Darling looked a bit out of sorts, he dropped 3 marks he should have held, they might have to experiment with him swapping places with the Guv down back. Liked the look of Mitchel, I was one who was skeptical about signing him, but if he keeps getting 38 possessions each week Ill happily eat my words ;-)
gameofmarks
Roar Guru
And McKenzie was woeful as usual. Back to the twos Eric and welcome back Tommy Barass.....please! Good to see Yeo finally stamp his ability on a game. A couple of strong pack marks and two goals to cap his game off. I thought he was just behind Kennedy for BOG. Kennedy's forward craft is second to none. The guy knows how to make a lead!!!! Good to see Tom Lamb star in the WAFL. Keep it up Tom and you will force your way into the side if Darling keeps on under-performing. I would give Jack one more game before sending him down to the twos if he doesn't perform.
Slane
Guest
He's the best forward in the comp. The lack of respect for him in Victoria is staggering.
Callum Thomson
Roar Guru
I think he will go down as one of the great modern day forwards and I don't see how he won't win another Coleman this year.
RooBoy17
Guest
A disappointing result for North, but best to put it in proper perspective before subscribing to the 'told you so' theorists out there. If Waite had kicked 4 or 5 then North would have been right in it until late in the final term and then who knows. Also, Josh Kennedy had a field day and North were unlucky to be on the receiving end. The newbies seemed to run out of gas late in the game and that's to be expected. So a bad result yes, but doesn't necessarily mean the end of North's season either. The first 6 games will test North and it will take that long before the new look side settles into a more consistent style of play.
Anthont
Guest
Wonder where Kennedy sits amongst the pantheon of forwards if he can pull off a third straight Coleman medal...