1. Kennedy isn’t out of the Coleman race
If Josh Kennedy hadn’t spent five games on the sidelines, he’d be a fair bet to become the first player since Gary Ablett snr (1993-1995) to win three consecutive Coleman Medals. As it stands, the West Coast spearhead is charging up the goalkicking tables and on Sunday he added another six majors to his tally. Kennedy was relentless with his work rate and ran Harris Andrews ragged. His marking is as strong as ever, he hasn’t lost any pace off the mark and his set shots remain typically accurate. Two weeks ago, upon his return from a calf concern, Kennedy was 13 goals shy of the League’s leading goalkicker. Heading into round 19, the 29-year-old will start just four goals in arrears of Bomber Joe Daniher in the race for the Coleman.

2. The Lions need Rockliff back in ball-winning form
Following last week’s blanket job on in-form Blues star Bryce Gibbs, talk circled of Tom Rockliff repeating the dose on one of West Coast’s most damaging midfielders. But with Dayne Zorko missing through suspension, Rockliff was unleashed at stoppages and showed glimpses of a return to form. Prior to injury in round eight, the 27-year-old was in damaging touch, averaging 30 disposals, 8.2 tackles, 5.9 marks and 10 clearances a match. But since popping his shoulder in the dying stages of the Lions' clash with Hawthorn in Launceston, the former skipper has tallied just 20.3 possessions, four tackles, five marks and 4.3 clearances in seven matches playing predominantly as an outside midfielder. On Sunday Rockliff seemed to spend more time at stoppages (five clearances and nine tackles) and pushed forward to become and attacking threat. But his disposal numbers (18) remain down as he battled to find space on the outside. With so many developing midfielders on their list, the Lions need Rockliff to lead by example and will be hoping he returns to his prolific best sooner rather than later. 

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3. Eagles playing for their careers
There were reports coming out of Western Australia last week that as many as 12 West Coast players might be moved on at season’s end. While Sam Mitchell and Drew Petrie are widely expected to retire, club stalwarts Mark LeCras and Eric Mackenzie were eager to prove their worth on Sunday afternoon. LeCras’ intent was flagged early in the first term with a tireless – though ultimately fruitless – 40m chase of blistering first-year Lion Cedric Cox. The 30-year-old then converted a difficult checkside snap from the right forward pocket four minutes into the second term, before slotting a second for the quarter just 10 minutes later. LeCras drifted out of the game in the third term and offers little outside the Eagles’ attacking 50, but proved he can still be damaging in attack. Mackenzie is similarly limited which, given the emergence of Tom Barrass as an intercepting defender, will likely count against him when contracts are discussed. The 29-year-old was typically accountable on Sam Skinner and Josh Schache and combined exceptionally well with Will Schofield to roll off his man when needed. Compellingly, Jeremy McGovern played the full game forward which could be a sign of the Eagles’ preferred structure in the future. If not, it is hard to envision any of West Coast’s other tall defenders being squeezed out of the 22. 

4. Partington shows promise
West Coast fans have been crying for the selectors to inject youth and were relieved to see youngster Luke Partington named for his first appearance. Selected from Norwood with pick 28 in the 2015 NAB AFL Draft – just after the tragic passing of his father – the South Australian has averaged 27.4 disposals, three tackles and more than a goal a game as East Perth’s most consistent inside midfielder. Coming off the Bench in the seventh minute of the match, Partington – wearing number 24, made famous by club legend John Worsfold – was cheered by fans as he notched his first disposal only seconds later. The slightly built midfielder positioned himself well as an outlet option through the corridor and was neat with his disposal (68 per cent efficiency). And as if he hadn’t endeared himself with the Eagles’ faithful enough, Partington’s first goal showed enough class and poise to raise eyebrows. With the ball close to the boundary 17 minutes into the third term, the 20-year-old ran on to a handpass from Malcolm Karpany before baulking around Alex Witherden, settling himself and snapping the goal from 35m. Partington was clapped from the field almost every time he left it and finished with 16 disposals, three clearances and three marks in an encouraging first showing.

5. The Lions unveil more promising cubs 
There must be something in the water in Brisbane, given the success of the Lions academy in recent seasons. Graduates Eric Hipwood and Harris Andrews are already among the most promising tall prospects in the country while Ben Keays is getting better by the week. On Sunday the Lions blooded another in 19-year-old Jacob Allison who – standing at 193cm with good speed and endurance – has all the physical attributes of a modern prototype midfielder. Secured with pick No.55 in last year’s draft, Allison had seven disposals to quarter-time playing on a wing, kicked the ball well and leaped for several attempted contested marks. He faded as the game wore on but there is a fair bit for Chris Fagan and co. to work with. The Lions' other debutant - Gippsland utility Sam Skinner – expected to play his first game exactly a year ago, in round 19, 2016, before hyperextending his knee during training which required his second ACL reconstruction in as many years. The 197cm key position prospect found himself in damaging attacking positions and was on the board early with a neatly converted snap at the end of the first term. Skinner’s second – a mid-air effort from the goalsquare – showcased his athleticism while he was impressively clean below his knees. The Lions' young tall stocks might’ve already been the envy of the competition. Skinner’s showing only added to their reputation.