Mark LeCras kicks miracle goal as West Coast stun Melbourne

Tom Naghten

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Mark LeCras kicks miracle goal as West Coast stun Melbourne image

Just about everything was going right for West Coast in the first half of Saturday afternoon's preliminary final against Melbourne.

The Eagles had dominated the opening two quarters and a stroke of luck, or genius, saw Mark LeCras add to the home side's lead.

With the ball seemingly dribbling through for a rushed behind, LeCras batted it back, making contact with each of his feet and the back of his heel before going over the line.

The umpires sent the decision upstairs and a goal was awarded, extending West Coast's already imposing lead.

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The margin was a stunning 63 points at half time, the Dees going into the main break with just six behinds to their name, setting a number of unwanted records in the process.


Eagles forward Josh Kennedy led the way with four goals, while midfielders Jack Redden and Elliot Yeo both had plenty of footy, though Melbourne's skills let them down time and again to contribute to the procession.

As expected, pundits hooked in to the hapless Demons, none more so than club great Garry Lyon.

"Under no cirumstances has a Melbourne player handled the occasion of a preliminary final," Lyon said on Fox Footy's coverage.

"West Coast have played like a man and Melbourne have turned up like boys and that's the way the scoreline reflected.... Melbourne just haven't fired a shot."

While Dermott Brereton labled the performance a "mental capitulation".




West Coast backed off slightly in the second half, no doubt with one eye on the Magpies next week, but they were still able to extend the margin to 66 by the final siren.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.