West Coast champion Josh Kennedy has returned to form in destructive fashion, bagging seven goals to lead the Eagles back into second spot on the ladder after a 49-point rout of North Melbourne.
After watching Richmond storm into premiership favouritism, the Eagles came out with a point to prove at Optus Stadium and it was Kennedy who made the biggest statement in the 18.13 (121) to 10.12 (72) triumph.
A lean spell on the scoreboard – compounded by illness - had some questioning Kennedy's future recently, but the dual Coleman medallist proved he is far from a spent force.
Without veteran defender Scott Thompson (testicle), the Roos had no answer for the West Coast spearhead, with Robbie Tarrant enduring a nightmare day.
Kennedy bagged five goals before half-time and added his sixth – becoming the 32nd VFL/AFL player to boot 600 career majors – during the third term after Sam Durdin was shifted onto him.
Fittingly, long-time sidekick Jack Darling had a hand in Kennedy's milestone major, intercepting a risky North kick and handballing to the bearded Eagle, who shrugged two opponents and snapped a beauty on his left boot to a standing ovation.
Kennedy had been held to only two goals in his previous three appearances but looked like he was close to regaining form against Melbourne in Alice Springs and his resurgence is an ominous sign for flag rivals.
Nearing the business end of the season, the Eagles clicked up a gear on Saturday and North Melbourne couldn't go with them in a severe blow to their already slim finals chances.
West Coast climbed above Brisbane with the percentage-boosting win – the club's 10th from 12 games – and is now entrenched two wins inside the top four with four rounds to play.
The Roos remain eight points and a big chunk of percentage behind the faltering Crows in eighth spot and would need a remarkable finish to the season to reach finals.
Rhyce Shaw's men were overwhelmed early by West Coast and sliced apart by some clinical ball movement, although the Roos showed their trademark pluck to stay in the hunt at half-time, trailing by only three goals despite being thrashed in open play.
The Eagles commanded clearances (17-8), contested ball (45-29) and inside 50s (18-8) to quarter-time and they appeared to be toying with the visitors when Willie Rioli danced around Paul Ahern and Trent Dumont to snap a beauty.
There were some bright spots for North, with Cam Zurhaar continuing his excellent form with three goals from 14 touches, while Jared Polec (31 disposals, one goal) and Ahern (27) never stopped trying.
The Eagles spread the workload, with Elliot Yeo (26 disposals, one goal) imperious, ball magnets Andrew Gaff (33) and Dom Sheed (31) among the best, half-back Lewis Jetta in exquisite touch, and in-form Darling, Rioli and Jake Waterman chipping in with two goals each.
MEDICAL ROOM
West Coast: The Eagles appeared to get through without any fresh injury woes.
North Melbourne: Shaun Atley was helped from the field by trainers midway through the final term after his right knee collided with Jack Darling and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
NEXT UP
The Eagles head to Marvel Stadium for a huge danger game against the rejuvenated Blues on Sunday, two days after North Melbourne hosts Hawthorn in a virtual elimination game under the roof in an intriguing Friday night clash.
