JOSH Kennedy might be the No1. reason West Coast is still in the finals race but the Eagles need to avoid being too conscious of their star spearhead, midfielder Luke Shuey admits.
Kennedy has been in scintillating touch since his return from a calf strain, booting 26 goals in the past five games to reclaim the Coleman Medal lead from Joe Daniher.
The 29-year-old bagged another six majors against Carlton on Saturday night – including two in the desperate final quarter as the Eagles scrambled to a crucial victory.
Kennedy's commanding presence inside 50 and reliable goalkicking often makes it difficult for his teammates to choose other options, but the Eagles are wary of being too predictable in crunch games against GWS and Adelaide as they fight to play finals.
"He's got a bit of a presence about him which sometimes hurts us, I think," Shuey said.
"Sometimes we're a little bit too 'JK' conscious but there could be worse blokes to be conscious about.
Kennedy is one goal shy of booting 500 majors for West Coast and is closing in on club great Peter Sumich's record of 514.
"For a guy who kicks so many goals and is our No.1 target, he's so team-orientated and selfless," Shuey said.
"It's pretty special that he's gone back to top spot in the Coleman race after missing five games or so.
"He'll be one of those players when you finish footy you'll look back and tell your kids and grandkids you were lucky enough to play with him."
The Eagles moved back into the top eight after overcoming the Blues but they have the toughest run home in the competition, facing the top two teams.
The Giants have hit form at the right time and their midfield speed and class poses a daunting challenge for West Coast's engine room, which has struggled this season without Nic Naitanui's silver service in the ruck.
Shuey said the Eagles would have to match GWS' running power and get on top at clearances to challenge the Giants, who will regain imposing big man Shane Mumford from suspension.
Although the Eagles were sliced open by a battling Carlton outfit in a free-flowing third quarter on Saturday night, Shuey wasn't concerned by the Eagles' pressure or another low tackle count (45-65).
West Coast was also well-beaten in tackles by St Kilda (51-83) in a heartbreaking round 20 loss.
"We feel like we're putting pretty good pressure on. We've got a terrific backline, we like to think if we can put enough pressure on up the field we can force dirty kicks and allow them to intercept mark," he said.
"As much as our tackles were down, I think our pressure was still fairly good the other night.
"Obviously given the chance we'd like to have a few more tackles, it always makes it easier."
