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Matthew Lloyd says West Coast must improve on win over North Melbourne if they are to challenge in 2020

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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VideoJosh Kennedy leaves Eagles game with injury

Essendon premiership winner Matthew Lloyd says he fears the Eagles season is done if they can’t improve on the win against North Melbourne.

Speaking on AFL’s Access All Areas, Lloyd said West Coast were relying too heavily on star forward Liam Ryan.

“He turned the game,” Lloyd said.

“They were very, very poor… I thought most of the midfield was off, I thought they were second to the ball, they didn’t handle the conditions… but Liam Ryan turned that game of football.

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“He changed that game and won that game along with Oscar Allen.

“They’ve got to improve a lot if they are to have an impact on the finals series, the West Coast Eagles.”

The Game AFL 2024

The Eagles went into the game missing captain Luke Shuey, vice-captain Jeremy McGovern, Elliot Yeo, Jack Redden and Jamie Cripps from their best 22.

Forward Josh Kennedy was also injured midway through the clash and failed to play the second half.

Geelong’s victory over Sydney on Sunday ensured the Eagles will host an elimination final with their opponent still to be determined.

Should Collingwood defeat Port Adelaide tonight, the Western Bulldogs would head west for a do-or-die clash with West Coast.

A loss means Collingwood will have to fly to Perth instead.

The AFL is expected to announce the official first week of finals fixture as early as Tuesday.

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