This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

Josh Kennedy ran riot, Flyin’ Liam Ryan soared high and Jack Darling stood tall as the AFL’s most potent forward line propelled West Coast to a preliminary final demolition of Melbourne.

Kennedy and Darling loom as game-breakers in next Saturday’s grand final against Collingwood after combining for seven goals in an imperious performance during Saturday’s 18.13 (121) to 7.13 (55) victory at Optus Stadium.

But the Magpies will also have their hands full with the Eagles’ small forwards after Jamie Cripps (three goals), Mark LeCras (three), Ryan, Willie Rioli and Daniel Venables added to the Demons’ pain.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Jack Darling of the West Coast Eagles handballs against the Melbourne Demons. Photograph: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Melbourne had conceded an average of just 58 points in their three previous games but their defenders were put to the sword as the Eagles dominated the midfield battle.

The highlights kept coming for the 59,608-strong Eagles faithful from the moment Kennedy pounced on a Jordan Lewis turnover in the opening minutes and slotted his first goal.

Kennedy added another two majors early in the second term before Ryan flew high for a trademark grab on Oscar McDonald and kicked truly.

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Minutes later LeCras chased a loose ball over the line and a score review confirmed he had managed to make fluky contact with his back heel.

The Eagles led a goalless Melbourne by 63 points at half-time and kept the party rolling after the break with Ryan bouncing a handpass to himself and using blistering speed to burn his opponents and set up a major for Venables.

West Coast’s midfield dominance left the Demons with their backs against the wall and it will be a game to forget for Sam Frost, who had a nightmare matched up on dual Coleman Medallist Kennedy.

Oscar McDonald also endured a difficult afternoon against Darling while finals’ veteran Lewis was responsible for a number of costly turnovers.

