A TOP-FOUR spot up for grabs won’t be on the minds of the West Coast players when they take on the Western Bulldogs, forward Jack Darling says.

The fifth-placed Eagles and sixth-placed Bulldogs are among a group of five teams with seven wins, and sit outside the top four by a small percentage.

But Darling said the Eagles couldn't afford to get carried away with the prospect of climbing into the double-chance spots.

"Every week is so important. It's such a close competition and there's plenty of teams on the same number so we've just got to make sure we get the job done," he said.

"I can't really view it as an eight-point match."

The Eagles are fifth in the league for scoring, with an average of 104 points a game, and face a Bulldogs defence missing key players Robert Murphy and Jason Johannisen.

But Darling said the match was still likely to be decided in the midfield, with onballers Luke Shuey and Matt Priddis in strong form and ruck duo Nic Naitanui and Scott Lycett among the best players against Gold Coast.

"If we win centre clearances, we can lock the ball in the forward half with some good forward pressure. Also the backs set up a fair few plays with their risky kicks through the corridor," he said.

"Our backline was really small last year and played really well, so I don't think we can take much from [the Bulldogs'] injuries."

West Coast is yet to play on Etihad Stadium this year – a ground at which the Bulldogs have flourished – and have been criticised for their inability to win on the road against top teams.

The Eagles' round nine victory over Port Adelaide was their first interstate win since July last year, but Darling said the players relished the opportunity to travel.

"We actually really like travelling and like getting away," he said.

"I know we can win away. We've done it before but if we're not on while we're away, we're going to get exposed by the good sides."

He also backed the ability of youngsters Tom Cole and Liam Duggan, both of whom have shown glimpses of their talent in 2016.

"I have been really impressed with Coley from what I have seen and I've been looking forward to playing with him.

"Duggo's looking really impressive as well. He's got elite skills and doesn't shy out of a contest either."