WEST Coast's chorus of doubters might not be silenced yet, despite the reigning premier holding on for a white-knuckle win over a brave Gold Coast by 23 points at Optus Stadium on Saturday night.

While the victory steadied their season after two concerning defeats to Port Adelaide and Geelong by a combined 100 points, the Eagles' frustrations at performing below their best look set to continue for at least another week.

Ultimately, their five-goal-to-one second term – inspired by under-scrutiny forward Jack Darling's three majors – was the difference in a tense 11.14 (80) to 8.9 (57) triumph.

EAGLES SURVIVE SUNS SCARE Full match coverage and stats

While the Suns lost their eighth game from as many attempts against the Eagles in Perth, they arguably finished the contest more content after fighting back from 42 points down midway through the third quarter.

Refusing to give in and urged on by coach Stuart Dew from the interchange bench, the visitors booted five unanswered goals either side of three-quarter time to give West Coast a major scare – which could have been even bigger if not for wasted opportunities.

They closed to within 11 points entering time-on in the final term after leading goalkicker Alex Sexton finally broke free of Brad Sheppard's (25 disposals) clutches and hit the scoreboard.

But it was Darling, scoreless in the past two losses, who iced the game with four minutes left after finding space 30m out and clutching Andrew Gaff's pass to his chest and squeezing through his fourth major.

The imposing Eagles forward's performance was reflective of his side, which looked set for a percentage-boosting victory after leading by 39 points at the main change but faded.

Adam Simpson cut a frustrated figure in the coaches' box during the second half and spent most of the three-quarter time break demonstratively instructing his defenders after a term spent camped in the back half.

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The premiership mentor has plenty of work to do to get the Eagles firing for an inviting run to the bye against St Kilda, Melbourne, Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and Sydney.

After back-to-back beltings from the Crows and Lions, it was a morale-boosting effort on the road for Gold Coast and the Suns will take great belief from a spirited display.

Restricting the Eagles' ball movement after half-time, the Suns got under West Coast's skin and even normally unflappable skipper Shannon Hurn lashed out in the final term after some treatment over the boundary line, sparking an ugly melee next to the interchange bench. 

Jarrod Harbrow (30 disposals) was outstanding for the visitors across half-back, while Jack Martin (29) inspired the second-half fightback and Jarrod Witts (14 disposals, 60 hitouts) dominated late call-up Nathan Vardy (four, 30) in the ruck and around the ground.

BEATEN, NOT BOWED Dew takes positives from Suns' fight

Elliot Yeo kicked the sealer for the Eagles and celebrated wildly after a hard-working effort when he laid 12 tackles and won 28 possessions and eight clearances, while Dom Sheed (32 disposals, two goal) and Andrew Gaff (35) were typically prolific. 

The Eagles came into the match desperate to get their hands on the footy after shellackings from the Power and Cats and won the crucial statistical areas.

West Coast had 29 more disposals, four more contested possessions, laid 30 more tackles, won 10 more clearances and entered 50 on six more occasions than the visitors.

But there is still plenty of work for the Eagles to do to get their flag defence up and rolling.

MEDICAL ROOM
West Coast: Gun defender Brad Sheppard copped a big hit in the third quarter and had ice applied to his leg after the game but is expected to be fine for the clash with the Saints. Ruckman Tom Hickey is also aiming to return after being a late withdrawal due to a slight hamstring problem.

Gold Coast: The Suns appeared to get through unscathed.  

NEXT UP
The Eagles travel to Marvel Stadium to face St Kilda on Saturday night in a critical clash for both mid-table sides, who each have 4-3 records, while the Suns return to Metricon Stadium to host Melbourne in the Saturday twilight slot.

WEST COAST  3.6       8.8       9.12     11.14 (80)
GOLD COAST         1.3       2.5       5.8       8.9 (57) 

GOALS
West Coast: Darling 4, Kennedy 2, Sheed 2, Cripps, Ryan, Yeo
Gold Coast: Powell 2, Wright 2, Bowes, Holman, Miles, Sexton

BEST 
West Coast:  Sheppard, Sheed, Yeo, Darling, McGovern, Gaff
Gold Coast: Harbrow, Martin, Witts, Powell, Miles, Fiorini

INJURIES 
West Coast: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, Gavine, Howorth

Official crowd: 47,497 at Optus Stadium