We can win without Josh Kennedy: Eagles

West Coast midfielder Sam Mitchell is adamant the Eagles boast enough attacking firepower to cover the loss of injured forward Josh Kennedy.

Kennedy is set for a sizeable stint on the sidelines after injuring his right calf during Sunday’s eight-point AFL loss to GWS.

The two-time Coleman medallist heard a pop when he suffered the injury, and initially feared he had torn his Achilles tendon.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson hopes the injury isn’t too serious, but it’s likely Kennedy will need at least a month on the sidelines.

If the tear is a big one, Kennedy might not return until the latter stages of the home-and-away season.

Kennedy has topped the AFL’s goalkicking charts over the past two years, and was on track to snare a third straight Coleman medal before his latest injury.

West Coast’s midfield has struggled to create enough opportunities for the club’s forward line this season, and Kennedy’s absence will make it even tougher for the Eagles to kick winning scores.

Simpson will consider switching All-Australian defender Jeremy McGovern into attack in order to fill the void left by Kennedy.

Former Kangaroo Drew Petrie, back-up ruckman Fraser McInnes, former Cat Nathan Vardy, and 193cm forward Tom Lamb are other options up Simpson’s sleeve.

“I think this footy club has gone past on relying on one or two players,” Mitchell said when asked about the loss of Kennedy.

“We’ve got plenty of things we can go to this week.

“We’ll probably have to run through a few of those scenarios this week behind closed doors and figure out what’s the best way to beat the Suns.”

Mitchell said Kennedy’s injury could even have some unexpected benefits for the Eagles.

“It makes us a little bit less predictable,” Mitchell said.

“When you scout against the West Coast Eagles, you probably know a fair few of our forward entries are going to JK.”

Simpson is confident both Luke Shuey (calf) and Mark LeCras (hip) will return for Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

Two losses on the trot has seen West Coast (6-4) drop to sixth spot, and they can’t afford to slip up against the lowly Suns.

West Coast’s two worst performances this season have been on the road, and they’ll be heavily scrutinised for the way they perform on the Gold Coast.

Mitchell said it was important for the team to analyse their travelling routine to find ways to improve the performance of players.

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