West Coast coach Adam Simpson couldn’t have been prouder of Josh Kennedy in his 250^th game and says the champion key forward is offering much more than just goals to the Eagles.

Kennedy booted 4.4 to claim the Glendinning-Allan Medal in RAC Derby 51 on Sunday, and was the difference between the sides in a hard-fought 30-point triumph as West Coast made it 10-straight wins over its crosstown rivals.

The 32-year-old warhorse kept it low-key in the build up to his milestone – preferring to celebrate West Coast landmarks instead of career tallies – but imposed himself on the contest with the opening goal and commanded the forward line.

Some have questioned Kennedy’s form over the past 12 months but Simpson has never doubted the “loyal, great team man” for his ability to impact games beyond his individual scoring output.

“I think it’s how we perceive him and what we look for,” Simpson told SEN.

“I look at (Jack) Riewoldt at Richmond and what he does, as a coach I look at him and think ‘geez, he’s not kicking the goals (he once did) but just a little knock on here, a little important moment in the game where he stands up’.

“I think if we can look at Josh in that sense, that he’s not going to have eight shots every week, that’s what we’ve got to get into our minds because he is getting to the back end of his career.

“He takes the best defender still and he frees up opportunity for others. If he can do that then I can’t see him slowing up too soon.”

After three-straight wins the Eagles are back inside the top eight and showing signs of their best football.

The midfield brigade has stepped up noticeably, and with 42 touches in the past two games recruit Tim Kelly is finding his groove alongside new teammates.

“I think he’s clicked the last couple of weeks. It was frustrating for him and for us not to get the best out of all of our mids in the first few weeks,” Simpson said.

“We had the good team on paper look but not quite performing on-field. I think they’re getting more of the best out of themselves as a unit, and collectively hopefully - we get Luke Shuey back this week (against Collingwood) – that we get another elevation in that connectivity.”