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Kennedy hero and villain as Eagles triumph

The Josh Kennedy Show dominated West Coast’s 23.13 (151) to 15.9 (99) AFL win over Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium on Sunday – but not all of it was pretty viewing.

The Eagles skipper kicked eight goals but received more jeers than cheers from the pro-Suns crowd of 11,840 after being placed on report for a second quarter strike on David Swallow.

Swallow lay prone on the ground after being struck in the head by Kennedy’s forearm and spent a considerable amount of time off the field before returning in the third term.

Kennedy received boos from the crowd for his next few touches but copped much worse late in the third quarter.

Kennedy hit the ground hard after receiving a high shot from Kade Kolodjashnij in a marking contest, sparking a mini-melee but the Suns player was not placed on report.

Kennedy dined out on the Suns for the second time this year, having kicked seven goals in West Coast’s three-point round 13 victory.

Both sides threw caution to the wind from the outset, especially West Coast after Richmond’s shock three-point win over Sydney on Saturday slammed the AFL finals door shut on the Eagles.

However a remarkable third term – in which West Coast kicked 11 goals to Gold Coast’s two – turned the shootout into a Suns assassination.

While the Eagles (11-11 record) wondered what might have been, the Suns were ruing a disappointing end to a season that also promised so much more.

Considered top eight chances after a 7-2 season start, the Suns (10-12) completed their late season stumble against the Eagles – just their fourth loss in 11 home games this year.

The Suns won only once after star midfielder Gary Ablett suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in round 16.

Gold Coast led 6.3 (39) to 6.2 (38) at the first interval and only trailed by two at the main break – 9.8 (62) to 9.6 (60) – before the visitors found another gear.

For West Coast, Mark LeCras also kicked four goals while Chris Masten had 29 touches.

For the Suns, youngster Jack Martin had four goals and 19 touches.

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