Kennedy comes to the rescue

WEST Coast forward Josh Kennedy produced some late heroics to lift his side to a 19point win against a wayward St Kilda at Domain Stadium in Perth last night.

The Saints led by 25 points during the first term, and still held a 12-point lead early in the final quarter.

Kennedy had booted just one goal from three disposals up until that point.

But the reigning Coleman medallist shot to life from that point on, kicking three goals in the final term to help secure the 18.8 (116) to 13.19 (97) win in front of 37,749 fans.

St Kilda ended the match with six more scoring shots, but their wayward goalkicking cost them dearly.

The 23-8 free kick count against them also hurt.

When the Saints played West Coast in Perth last year, the Eagles booted the first nine goals of the match on the way to a 103-point win.

But it was St Kilda who came out firing this time around, with the visitors scoring from 13 of their 14 entries into their forward 50m in the opening term.

The Saints’ lead at quartertime would have been much bigger than 19 points had they kicked straight.

It was a heartbreaking result for the Saints, who looked in control for large periods of the match. WEST COAST V ST KILDA 4.0 8.3 13.5 18.8 6.7 8.12 12.17 13.19 GOALS