WEST Coast will attack the run to September with more resolve, according to coach Adam Simpson, after digging deep in a gutsy road win against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday.
The Eagles were challenged by the reigning premiers in the final quarter, but overcame injuries and found a way to prevail, putting themselves back in the mix for a top-four finish.
Criticised this season for their form on the road and particularly in Melbourne where they had lost their past three matches, Simpson said he was proud of his players' effort and their will to win.
"We're not here to answer any critics or anything like that, but we've probably got a bit more resolve about us now, which is really pleasing," Simpson said after the seven-point win at Etihad Stadium.
"It's one thing to say it (and) we know we've been poor over here the last three games … but I think the players were in general pretty brave today.
"Trying to stop momentum has been really tough this year for us at stages, but I thought some of our big fellas stood up in the last five minutes and I'm really proud of the players with their resilience."
The Eagles solidified their position in the top eight and remain in touch with the top four with a record of 8-6 as they prepare to welcome back a number of key players in the coming weeks.
Simpson said star goalkicker Josh Kennedy, Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, captain Shannon Hurn and forward Mark LeCras could all be available for next week's clash against Port Adelaide at Domain Stadium.
Defender Jackson Nelson is also pushing to be available, while ruckman Scott Lycett is on the cusp of selection as the Eagles share ruck duties among Nathan Vardy, Drew Petrie and Jeremy McGovern.
Lycett could be forced to wait, however, with all three big men among the Eagles' best performers on Saturday.
WATCH: Adam Simpson's full post-match media conference
"They stood up really well in the last five or six minutes, Vardy in particular after kicking that goal with a couple of game-saving marks," Simpson said.
"It looked like our destiny to lose that one didn't it … (but) what was pleasing from our point of view and the players was the will to win. How much do you want to put on the line?"
Simpson highlighted the Eagles' ability to nullify two of the Bulldogs' main strengths – contested ball and clearances – winning both categories, and the clearances convincingly (46-29).
He said there was a disconnect between the players and the coaches late in the game when the Eagles flooded back after a goal from Vardy left them seven points up with four minutes to play.
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"We've got some things in place we're trying and do, but they got a bit excited the boys and tried to park the bus behind the play when there was still four minutes to play," the coach said.
"It was a little bit (too early), so it was a bit of a breakdown in communication and we rectified it pretty quickly."
Simpson praised the performance of key forward Jack Darling, who kicked 3.2 and had six score assists, standing up in the absence of Kennedy and giving the Eagles a consistent target inside 50.
"He's working through some form issues and he just had a new baby a few weeks ago, (but) he's stood up to a pretty good level since 'JK' has been out of the side," Simpson said.
"It's probably good to get the monkey off the back a little bit for him."
