West Coast’s midfield have regained their mojo and now they’ve set their sights on catapulting forward Josh Kennedy to a third straight Coleman medal.
Kennedy has missed the past five weeks with a calf injury, but he’s set to return for Sunday’s AFL clash with Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium.
The 29-year-old has booted 34 goals for the season, but his injury absence means he has plenty of work to do if he is to win the league’s goalkicking award this year.
Lance Franklin and Jeremy Cameron currently top the rankings with 40 goals each, while Joe Daniher (38), Eddie Betts (37), Robbie Gray (35) and Jack Riewoldt (35) are also above Kennedy.
But one thing working in Kennedy’s favour is the recent improvement in West Coast’s midfield.
The Eagles averaged just 49 inside 50s per game over the first 11 rounds.
But since having a heart-to-heart during the mid-season bye, the Eagles have averaged 58.7 forward-50m entries over their past three games.
West Coast midfielder Luke Shuey says Kennedy will be licking his lips at the extra supply.
And wingman Andrew Gaff says Drew Petrie and Jack Darling will also benefit from more kicks down their throat.
“We’ve been hanging them out to dry with 30, 40 inside 50s,” Gaff said.
“Now it’s up to 50, 60, which gives us more of a chance to win more games.
“It will be great to have (Kennedy) out there.
“He’s the most valuable player. There’s plenty of time (for him to win the Coleman) with eight games to go.
“He needs to get going as soon as possible. But he brings so much more to the table than just goals.
“His pressure and leadership up there is so important for us.”
Gaff played one of the best games of his career last week, racking up 42 disposals in the win over the Bulldogs.