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West Coast coach Adam Simpson optimistic Josh Kennedy avoided serious ankle injury and will play finals

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Craig O'DonoghueThe West Australian
VideoJosh Kennedy leaves Eagles game with injury

West Coast believe they have dodged a bullet amid an injury crisis with Coleman medallist Josh Kennedy expected to be fit for the finals despite spending the second half on the bench after rolling his ankle.

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Kennedy limped from the field during the second quarter against North Melbourne and spent no further part in the game. The key forward has had ankle problems in the past and there were fears he would become another high profile addition to the club’s lengthy injury list.

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But coach Adam Simpson said the early signs were good.

“I think he’s okay,” Simpson said.

“It’s a new injury to his ankle. He’s walking around. I think it was more precaution than anything. We’ll have to see how he pulls up. I think it could be just a garden variety roll.

“We’ve had a bit of a bad run with our good players getting injured. Hopefully the week off gives us a good opportunity to get those guys back.”

Simpson said the Eagles could have close to a full strength team for the first week of finals after Jeremy McGovern advanced through key milestones during his recovery from a hamstring injury.

McGovern was originally tipped to miss the first final but could now join Luke Shuey, Jack Redden, Lewis Jetta and Mark Hutchings in being fit. Jamie Cripps will also play after his son was born this week but Elliot Yeo won’t be available.

Josh J. Kennedy of the Eagles is seen injured during the 2020 AFL Round 18 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium.
Camera IconJosh J. Kennedy of the Eagles is seen injured during the 2020 AFL Round 18 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles at Metricon Stadium. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

West Coast’s final is expected to be played on a Saturday, giving McGovern 23 days to heal.

“(McGovern) did walk/jog today,” Simpson said.

“He’s probably more less likely than likely but I reckon he’s going to be knocking on my door.

“Every day counts. We won’t risk him but he’s got over the little hurdles of the feel of it and now he’s into the running program.”

West Coast’s 7.7 (49) to 4.10 (34) win elevated them into the top four and they will remain there if either Richmond or Geelong lose this weekend.

The Eagles will fly to Perth today to quarantine at home for 14 days and Simpson said he’d be watching games with his blue and gold scarf on.

“I get caught up in that. You start hoping teams win and lose,” he said.

“I’m just like every other West Coast supporter out there. At least we put a bit of pressure on the two sides. They’ve got to win to lock away top four.

Adam Simpson, Senior Coach addresses his players during the 2020 AFL Round 18 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles.
Camera IconAdam Simpson, Senior Coach addresses his players during the 2020 AFL Round 18 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles. Credit: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

“If we don’t get it, we finish fifth and we get to play at home. We came here to do a job and win.

“I’m glad we didn’t rest anyone. I don’t know if we would have won if we had have rested too many. In the end we’re pretty happy.”

The loss ended a tough season for North Melbourne where they managed only three wins. The Roos had lost two of their last three games by more than 10 goals and been the subject of enormous criticism.

But coach Rhyce Shaw said the players deserved a lot of credit for continuing to fight against the Eagles.

“We haven’t had a good season at all but the way we finished off was fantastic. It was really important for us,” he said.

“We’ve been smashed from pillar to post for a while now but we’ve worked hard and tonight the boys were really consistent for four quarters.”

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