A four-goal haul from veteran Josh Kennedy has allowed West Coast to steal a last-gasp comeback win over Richmond in a potential finals preview.
The undermanned Eagles led for the majority of the contest before a spirited five-goal final quarter resulted in a 13. 7. (85) to 12. 9. (81) win at a packed Optus Stadium.
Kennedy finished with 15 disposals and seven marks to go along with his four goals, with his final goal of the night proving to be the game-winner.
It came in a coast-to-coast play eerily similar to the coast-to-coast play which resulted in Dom Sheed’s game-sealing goal in the Eagles’ victorious 2018 grand final.
After veteran Shannon Hurn intercepted a Dustin Martin shot on goal, the Eagles turned defence into offence, with a brilliant kick from Elliot Yeo allowing Liam Ryan to get out the back before Ryan hit up Kennedy with a precision hit-up kick Inside 50.
Hemmed against the fence in West Coast’s left forward pocket, Kennedy’s snap was inch-perfect as the ball snuck just inside the left-hand behind post to put his side ahead.
West Coast’s efforts were led by Hurn, who finished with 25 disposals and 10 marks, while Jack Redden (32 disposals) and second-gamer Luke Edwards (27 disposals) were influential in the midfield.
Both Richmond and the Eagles will enjoy a bye in Round 14. The Tigers will face St Kilda in Round 15, while West Coast will host the Western Bulldogs in Perth.
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