The speculation around the fitness of Josh Kennedy in the lead up to yesterday’s clash with the Power was intense.

As the Eagles reviewed the scans on Kennedy’s right elbow, the football rumour mill went into overdrive about the Eagles spearhead, largely due to some ill-informed media speculation.

In the end, Kennedy played, and played a key role in the Eagles 10-point win.

"I think if he didn't play tonight we probably don't win," Simpson remarked after the game.

"He is playing sore and if he falls on it the wrong way there's potential for more damage, but it is low risk.

"He doesn't need [an operation]."

Speaking on Fox Footy Brownlow Medallist Gerard Healy said it was a good sign that the Eagles could get a quality win without needing Kennedy to contribute heavily on the scoreboard.

“They did it, this great win, without a huge contribution, by way of goals, from Josh Kennedy,” Healy said.

“He worked hard, he competed, it was a good battle with him and Hombsch.

“To say that he was going to kick 1.3 and you’d come over here and you’d win, it’d had to have been a low scoring game and that’s what it was in the finish.”