West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey says he can’t help but admire Josh Kennedy as the forward edges closer to writing himself into the AFL’s history books.
Kennedy is a strong chance to win a third straight Coleman medal after shooting to top spot in the AFL’s goalkicking tally.
Hawthorn’s John Peck (1963-65) and Geelong’s Garry Ablett Snr (1993-95) are the only two players who have won three straight Coleman medals since the award was introduced in 1955.
Kennedy tops this year’s tally with 60 goals, one ahead of Essendon’s Joe Daniher.
Sydney’s Lance Franklin is in third spot with 56 goals.
Kennedy’s surge to top spot is all the more remarkable given he missed five games with a calf/Achilles injury.
Since returning, he has booted 26 goals in five games – including a match-winning six-goal haul against Carlton last week.
The Eagles face off against GWS (away) and Adelaide (home) in the final two rounds.
Those matches will not only decide Kennedy’s Coleman medal hopes, but also West Coast’s finals chances.
Kennedy’s heroics are a big reason why West Coast are still in the finals hunt.
Shuey said Kennedy, who has kicked 499 goals at West Coast for an overall career tally of 510, was a special player.
“For a guy who kicks so many goals and is our No.1 target, he’s so team-orientated and selfless,” Shuey said.
“It’s pretty special that he’s gone back to top spot in the Coleman race after missing five games or so.
“He’ll be one of those players when you finish footy you’ll look back and tell your kids and grandkids you were lucky enough to play with him.
“He’s got a bit of a presence about him, which sometimes hurts us I think.
“Sometimes we’re a little bit too ‘JK’ conscious, but there could be worse blokes to be conscious about.”
West Coast sit in eighth spot on the ladder, and they might need to win their remaining two games in order to win finals.
If they only win one of those, they might miss out on a finals spot on percentage.
Veteran Mark LeCras (hamstring) is a chance to return for Saturday’s clash with the Giants at Spotless Stadium.
The Giants were handed a big boost on Monday when small forward Toby Greene escaped with a fine for his boot to the face of Bulldogs midfielder Luke Dahlhaus
Baz
Guest
disagree, I think Kennedy is consistent. If WCE had an elite midfield like Swans, then Kennedy's goal output would be much higher. I would actually say Buddy is not consistent...
Gecko
Guest
Kennedy is good but he won't be considered great until he can play well consistently against the top sides, like Buddy does. Kennedy's stats are inflated from consistently kicking bags against lowly sides like Carlton.
Scott
Guest
Agreed. It will be interesting to see where he falls in all the top 50 lists at years end. People had Tom Lynch on top last year on potential only, when he was clearly not as good as JK. Franklin is usually top 3 every year so where does JK fall now. A big finish to the year and I expect he'll be top 3 on most lists
WCE
Roar Rookie
Dam legend!! the best FF the club has ever had. Sumich was a terrific footballer but JK is truly outstanding with so many attributes to his game complete with chasing, tackling, blocking and goal assists , a true champion of the game and deserves all the accolades he receives
Boots
Guest
Hindsight, you cant know how things will pan out. Kennedy might've had a bad injury run with either club. Too many factors involved to get any club across the GF line, much of it is luck, good fortune, gods smiling, stars aligning etc. But good footy players-and coaches-do help! ((;
Fair Weather
Guest
Maybe we should have kept Kennedy at Carlton and passed on Judd. End of the day midfielders are plentiful. I can still remember Kennedys first touch for the Blues against Essendon I think it was. He was wearing number five. Kennedy, Fevola, Betts forward line in 2010, 2011,2012 could have gotten us a flag. Now I will be angry all day thinking about it.