Search

show me:

Eagles target swift rebound against Freo

3 minute read

West Coast forward Josh Kennedy is confident he will be fit to return for Sunday's AFL western derby against Fremantle at Optus Stadium.

JOSH KENNEDY of the Eagles.
JOSH KENNEDY of the Eagles. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images

West Coast forward Josh Kennedy says it's up to individuals to ensure last week's AFL drubbing by Geelong doesn't happen again.

The Eagles received a major reality check in the 97-point loss, with the Cats booting 10.1 to 0.1 in a devastating second term.

West Coast (3-3) slid to 10th on the ladder before Sunday's western derby against in-form Fremantle.

Kennedy missed the loss to Geelong with an ankle injury, with the Eagles also without Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Shannon Hurn and Liam Ryan.

Adding to their woes, All-Australian defender Jeremy McGovern limped off during the match with a groin injury.

But the Eagles are refusing to use injuries as an excuse with coach Adam Simpson putting the heat on his players to improve.

Kennedy said the group had learned from the loss and would target a swift rebound against the Dockers.

"It was tough to watch and disappointing as a footy club getting smacked in a game like that," Kennedy told Perth radio station 6PR.

"Simmo did talk about the effort, that it wasn't there.

"That's something that's controlled by the players, that's no strategic thing, that's no quick fix with something to do with the game plan.

"It's up to the individual's mindset.

"That's something we can work on and change as individuals."

Kennedy is confident he will be fit to face Fremantle as the Eagles attempt to post 11 derby victories in a row.

"It (the ankle) is a bit better. I tried to train last Wednesday and it was still proppy and sore," Kennedy said.

"I did a walk/jog yesterday and it felt pretty good, so I think it is on the mend.

"It's positive signs that it is not too sore and has settled down a bit."

Last week's clash between Fremantle and North Melbourne was played at an empty Optus Stadium due to Perth's three-day lockdown.

The lockdown is over but it remains uncertain what crowd restrictions - if any - will be placed on Sunday's derby.

Hurn is a chance to return from a calf injury but McGovern appears almost certain to be ruled out.

The sixth-placed Dockers (4-2) are sweating on the availability of defender Brennan Cox, who injured his ankle against the Kangaroos.

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au