Cats burned by Naitanui masterclass in thriller

Nic Naitanui and Josh Kennedy have turned in masterclasses because the West Coast Eagles overcame a 22-point deficit to safe a formidable win over Geelong.

Lauded by many as premiership favourites coming into the match, the Eagles have been rocked early by a pointy Geelong facet earlier than operating out 11. 7. (73) to 10. four. (64) winners at Optus Stadium.

In his first match in opposition to the group that drafted him, Tim Kelly offered an prompt influence helping Kennedy’s first aim of the match after a get away of the center.

Kelly made a quick begin earlier than ending with 23 disposals and three tackles, and he admitted he was glad to get the match-up together with his ex-teammates over with.

“I am actually glad it is over and we bought the 4 factors,” he informed Seven after the sport.

“I am glad to get that one out of the best way, I am trying ahead to those battles they usually weren’t at full power tonight.

“They are a proud group and I am certain we’ll play once more in time on the finish of this yr.

“It was nice having slightly little bit of banter on the sphere with just a few of the boys.”

Kelly stated the Eagles have been in a position to flip across the deficit early within the second-half by reducing off Geelong’s kicking recreation.

“They have been fairly good by foot tonight,” he stated.

“They have been in a position to get their marks and as soon as we began to pressure them longer down the road and play the sport in a contest, we began to get on high.”

The story of the second half was the domination of Naitanui and Kennedy, who linked up for an exquisite stoppage aim within the fourth quarter as West Coast surged forward.

Naitanui bolstered his case for being one of the influential huge males within the competitors, ending with 34 hitouts to associate with his 10 disposals and 4 clearances.

After a fairly first three quarters, Kennedy burst to life within the closing stanza, booting three very important objectives, together with the digital game-sealer within the closing two minutes.

West Coast’s win vaults it into the highest 4, one thing that appeared inconceivable after a gradual begin to the season simply weeks in the past.

Geelong drop to sixth on the ladder following the loss, eight factors adrift of the ladder-leading Brisbane and Port Adelaide.