Star spearhead Josh Kennedy is set for a welcome return from an ankle problem in Sunday’s RAC Derby, provided he gets through training this week.
West Coast's all-time leading goalkicker missed the trip to Geelong for Saturday’s thumping loss to the Cats after battling through soreness from an incident in the previous round’s victory over Collingwood.
But he is on the verge of a return to add more experience and leadership to an Eagles outfit missing several key players.
“It’s a bit better," Kennedy said of his ankle on 6PR.
"I tried to train last Wednesday and it was still pretty proppy and sore, so obviously made the decision with ‘Simmo’ (coach Adam Simpson) not to play this week but had a bit of a freshen up and lighter week with it.
“Did a walk-jog yesterday and felt pretty good, so I think it’s on the mend, which is good.
“I’ll get through a little bit today and train on Thursday and hopefully be fine to go on this Sunday.
“I was able to do a fair bit from the weekend and yesterday, so positive signs it’s not too sore and has settled down a bit.”
West Coast is also hopeful champion defender Shannon Hurn (calf) will return for his record-breaking 291st game in blue and gold, while speedy forward Jack Petruccelle is also a chance to be back from a hamstring niggle.
The Dockers enter the 52nd Derby in good form after winning three-in-a-row and Kennedy said the Eagles would judge themselves on effort as they attempt to win 11-straight against their crosstown rival.
“’Simmo’ did talk about the effort that wasn’t there (against Geelong) and that’s something that is controllable by the players,” he said.
“That’s no strategic thing. That’s no quick fix with something in the game plan, that’s individuals’ mindsets so that’s something we can work on and change as individuals.
“It was just disappointing I suppose going down by that much.”
The Eagles trained on Tuesday for the first time since returning to Perth on Saturday night, and are hopeful a large crowd will be permitted to attend Optus Stadium following a three-day COVID-related lockdown over the long weekend.
“Derby weeks are always great. There’s a fair bit of build-up. Maybe this week’s a little bit different because we’re just coming out of lockdown,” Kennedy said.
“It doesn’t matter where we are on the ladder or how both teams are travelling, it’s always a tough contest.
“Both teams love the derbies.
“Spewing that we were back at 100 per cent capacity last week, and now we can’t really have that for the derby. It will be interesting to see how many fans are allowed in the door.
“Should be great, derby week is always fun. Hopefully we get the chocolates so all West Coast fans have got bragging right on that Monday at work.”
