Injury mars Eagles’ easy win over Blues

WEST Coast’s comfortable NAB Challenge win over Carlton in Mandurah last night was soured by a knee injury to star defender Eric Mackenzie.

Mackenzie, who pipped Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis to win last year’s John Worsfold medal, limped from the ground during the second quarter of the Eagles’ 31-point victory.

West Coast won 1.9.15 (78) to 2.4.5 (47) at Rushton Park.

Mackenzie hurt his right knee in an innocuous marking contest with Levi Casboult early in the second quarter.

The 26-year-old key de- fender was surrounded by a large group of worried trainers before walking gingerly to the boundary without aid.

West Coast’s medical staff conducted a preliminary examination on his knee in the interchange area before leading him to the rooms.

He was later seen on crutches and the club said he would have scans today to determine the extent of the injury.

If scans reveal a tear to Mackenzie’s anterior cruciate ligament it would be a devastating blow, requiring a knee reconstruction and ruling him out for the season.

Josh Kennedy kicked four goals for the Eagles, including a nine-point supergoal from a 60m set shot in the first quarter.

The Eagles controlled the midfield battle despite the absence of ruckman Nic Naitanui, winning the inside-50 count 55-30.

Priddis showed no sign of a Brownlow hangover as he racked up 10 touches and four clearances in the opening term before finishing with 24 disposals, eight clearances and a goal.

He was well supported by Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff as the Eagles cruised to victory against a badly undermanned Carlton team.

The Blues were missing Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd, Andrew Carrazzo, Lachie Henderson, Michael Jamison, Matthew Kreuzer, Dale Thomas and Andrew Walker.

West Coast rising star Jeremy McGovern was left as the only tall defender for the Eagles after Mackenzie went down, with Mitch Brown and Will Schofield not included.

Carlton recruit Liam Jones, well beaten by Mackenzie early, failed to take advantage of the Eagles’ depleted defence and finished with one goal in his first outing in navy blue.

The Blues’ top draft selection, No.19 pick Blaine Boekhorst, showed glimpses of the dash that has Carlton excited and gathered nine touches.