Image
Camera IconImage Credit: Supplied/Supplied

‘Gov’ one of the best West Coast Eagles under pressure: Josh Kennedy

Josh KennedyEastern Reporter

AS kids, most of us dream about the opportunity of kicking the winning goal after the siren, but very few players get the chance to live out the moment.

To have two teammates in that situation against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval in the past 12 months is extraordinary.

And I have to say if I had to choose the blokes to kick us home, they would be in the top three at the club.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Luke Shuey did it after the extra-time siren in an elimination final last year, which had never occurred in the history of the game, and then lightning struck twice when Jeremy McGovern kicked the match-winner after the bell last week.

Both Boots and Gov handled the pressure of the situation and nailed the goals. No doubt they were sensing the heat of the moment, but put it to one side and split the middle.

So who is the other teammate I’d back in to kick the goal after the siren? Mark LeCras.

He’s got such an uncomplicated and regular goal-kicking routine that you’d back him from almost anywhere. Of course, there are a few others I reckon would get it done, too, with Shannon Hurn, Jack Darling and Willie Rioli among them.

Anyway, Gov converted the opportunity and it was an important win for the club because it keeps us in line for a top two finish. We still have two games to go – our last home game against Melbourne at Optus Stadium this week – and then we finish the qualifying rounds against Brisbane.

Our aim is to win them both because that’s the best way to guarantee two home finals.

They will both be tough games because Melbourne is also aiming to push as high inside the top eight as possible and Brisbane will be looking for a strong finish to the year.

The Lions have been one of the big improvers in the competition and they will be aiming for a positive finish to the year because it will give them the chance to take some impetus into the off-season.