West Coast coach Adam Simpson isn’t daring to dream about a top-two berth in the AFL just yet despite the Eagles getting their nose ahead of the Brisbane Lions.
Saturday’s 49-point win over North Melbourne saw West Coast leapfrog Brisbane into second spot on percentage.
How much percentage? Just 0.3 per cent.
Both clubs are two wins clear of fifth spot, meaning they would need a significant tumble in the final four rounds to fall out of the top-four.
Simpson was happy to have guaranteed his side a finals berth, but said it was too early to focus on a top-two berth.
“We’re looking at top four now,” he said.
“Once we qualify for top four, we’ll have a crack at the rest. That has always been our plan, so we won’t deviate.”
West Coast take on Carlton (away), Adelaide (home), Richmond (away), and Hawthorn (home) in the run home.
Brisbane face the Bulldogs (home), Gold Coast (home), Geelong (home), and Richmond (away).
West Coast and Brisbane aren’t the only two teams pushing hard for second spot, with Richmond (12-6) also in the thick of the race after five straight wins.
Eagles forward Josh Kennedy bounced back to form against the Roos, booting 7.0 and taking five contested marks in the 18.13 (121) to 10.12 (72) win.
It was Kennedy’s biggest haul since he booted seven straight goals against North Melbourne in round one, 2017, and put to bed any commentary that he should retire at the end of this season.
Kennedy’s haul on Saturday took his overall career tally to 601 goals, and Simpson praised the milestone.
“Six hundred goals, magnificent effort for him and the club,” he said.
“But I don’t think he plays for that. It might be something he reflects on when he finishes his career – but I have never heard him talk about it.”
Jack Darling chipped in with 2.2 and two score assists, combining with Kennedy to terrorise North Melbourne’s defence.
When asked about who was West Coast’s No.1 key forward, Simpson said it was all about spreading the load.
“We have relied on JK for a long period of time and perhaps too much, so we like to get the balance,” Simpson said.
“We think sometimes Jack is getting a good look – Oscar Allen is developing really well. We’re trying to get everyone involved.”
Simpson is hopeful of regaining skipper Shannon Hurn (calf) for Sunday’s clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.