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Eagles sweat on Kennedy, Darling in AFL

West Coast may need to beat Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday to secure second spot on the AFL ladder without their best two forwards.

Jack Darling of the Eagles (C) leaves the field with an injury
West Coast could be without Jack Darling (pic) and Josh Kennedy for their key clash in Brisbane. (AAP)

West Coast will be sweating on the fitness of star forwards Jack Darling and Josh Kennedy ahead of Sunday's season-defining clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.

Darling played just 10 minutes in the 17-point loss to Melbourne before being concussed, while Kennedy has missed the past four games with a hairline shin fracture.

West Coast need to beat Brisbane in the final round to secure second spot and two home finals.

The Eagles will drop to as low as fourth if they lose.

Darling will have to pass a concussion test this week if he is to be given the green light to play Brisbane.

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Kennedy will be closely monitored at training to determine whether he can return.

The soon-to-be 31-year-old has been struck down by two hairline fractures in his right leg this year and the Eagles are reluctant to risk him until he's ready.

If Kennedy fails to return against Brisbane, it would mean he'll be back for the qualifying final having missed six weeks of action.

West Coast need Darling and Kennedy firing in time for the finals.

But first they need to get over the line against Brisbane, who have pushed some of the competition's best this year.

The Lions have beaten Hawthorn twice and almost knocked off Port Adelaide, Collingwood, Adelaide, and North Melbourne.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson says he's unsure whether Darling and Kennedy will be available against the Lions.

"(Darling) couldn't come back on against Melbourne but I don't think it's horrendous," he said.

"I think he's ok. He's walking around, it's all fine there. But I couldn't tell you what's going to happen.

"We'll have to see if (Kennedy) trains this week. I wouldn't say rush - when he's ready, he's ready."

If either Darling or Kennedy can't play against the Lions, Simpson has the option of recalling young key forward Jake Waterman, who has booted bags of seven and three goals in his past two WAFL games.


2 min read

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Source: AAP



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