THUMPING the undermanned Brisbane Lions was a box ticked for West Coast after a tumultuous week, but coach Adam Simpson is well aware there are tougher challenges to come in the race to play finals.
Two five-goal quarters – in the second and fourth terms – broke the plucky Lions' resistance in a 68-point win at Domain Stadium, and lifted the Eagles back into eighth spot with a handy percentage boost.
While belting the bottom-placed Lions won't silence the critics who were in full voice after last round's meltdown against Collingwood, a looming clash with finals rival St Kilda at Etihad Stadium will be a chance for the Eagles to prove their credentials.
"We're still alive this year," Simpson said post-match.
"It's been a big week – no doubt about that – but that's the way it goes.
"We've been concentrating on us and how to get better.
"The noise on the outside, you need to pay attention to it at some stage but at the moment we need to focus on what we can control.
"It was a good result. We've still got a lot of work to do in a lot of areas, but I thought we took a small step forward this week and then next week we get onto the Saints."
Five talking points: West Coast v Brisbane Lions
Despite losing lead ruckman Nathan Vardy (glute), the Eagles had a rare convincing clearance win (50-38) against the Lions.
Drew Petrie received plaudits from Simpson for nullifying Lions big man Stefan Martin in the ruck duel, and the 34-year-old could be forced to play the same role next round with Vardy still under a cloud and Scott Lycett's (shoulder) season seemingly over.
With plenty of supply from 58 inside 50s, star spearhead Josh Kennedy bagged six goals in his third game back from a calf/Achilles injury, receiving strong support from Jack Darling (two) and Jeremy McGovern (one).
Kennedy is now only four goals behind Essendon star Joe Daniher in the Coleman Medal race.
"We've got to get that balance right with JK, he had 10 shots today (6.4) and there was a couple of times when there was some other guys potentially on," Simpson said.
"He's just got such a presence and he knows where to run.
"He's an A-plus talent, he's a one-in-a-million type of player for us. He's won the last two Colemans, so I'm not surprised (how well he has come back)."
WATCH: Adam Simpson's full post-match media conference
The Eagles scored more than 100 points for the first time since round six – an 11-game streak that was the equal-longest in club history.
"Flat-track bullies, are we?" Simpson quipped.
"It's been a challenge for us to get supply … with field position, clearances and contested ball.
"To get that right today probably shows what we can do when we get it in there."
The Eagles are transitioning their list towards youth and Simpson praised Liam Duggan, Jackson Nelson and Malcom Karpany, while he was pleased with debutant Luke Partington (16 disposals, one goal) who played across half-forward.
"To contribute like he did was a good sign for a first-gamer. He had a pretty specific role, so that was encouraging," Simpson said.
The Eagles could have some tough decisions to make at the selection table this weekend, with speedster Lewis Jetta (calf) and retiring champion Matt Priddis (quad) likely to be available.
