LeCras a big in for Eagles
West Coast's Mark LeCras may help the Eagles sort out two of their biggest issues when he returns against Greater Western Sydney tomorrow, with teammate Josh Kennedy praising his impact in both the forward line and midfield.
LeCras' return from a broken arm was confirmed by the Eagles yesterday, with Xavier Ellis and Sharrod Wellingham the other inclusions for the game at Patersons Stadium.
Scott Lycett, Will Schofield and Simon Tunbridge were all dropped following last Sunday's western derby loss in a sign coach Adam Simpson is drifting away from his policy of employing extra height across the ground.
LeCras was one of the Eagles' best early in the season, kicking 7.1 in the first two games before sustaining the injury against St Kilda in round three.
The Eagles have lost four consecutive games in his absence, with inaccuracy in front of goal and a lack of experience and class in the midfield two of the major reasons for their slump.
Kennedy said LeCras' inclusion would give them a boost.
"He's one bloke who can really turn the game on," he said.
"Lecca is a quality player and having him up forward, he's the type that can kick some goals (and) can really set up play for us.
"I'd love to have him just up forward, but for the team he's really vital for us getting up to the midfield and getting to the footy.
"He's obviously had some setbacks through injury, as have all of us (but) he's one player that can really come back strong."
Kennedy and fellow forward Jack Darling are both leading the Eagles' goal kicking with 13.12 after seven rounds.
LeCras has easily been the most accurate of their attacking options, with Chris Masten's four straight goals making him the next best in that area.
Kennedy said while some players had been doing extra work in front of goal at training this week, there was no quick fix.
"Everyone's going through their routine and practising their goal kicking," he said.
"It's hard to mimic the pressure in the game. That's one thing you can always try to improve on.
"Everyone's been working on it, everyone knows it's a bit of an issue.
"All you can do is practice it."
The Giants have improved markedly under coach Leon Cameron this season, but are likely to struggle against the Eagles after injury robbed them of young stars Jeremy Cameron (ear), Adam Treloar (ankle) and Curtly Hampton (ankle).
Jono O'Rourke, the 2012 No.2 draft pick, has been omitted, however the player taken before him in that draft, Lachie Whitfield, will return from a foot injury to bolster the Giants' midfield. Aiden Corr, Andrew Phillips and dual Geelong premiership player Josh Hunt are the other ins.
"He's one bloke who can really turn the game on …. one player that can really come back strong."" *Josh Kennedy *on Mark LeCras
