WEST Coast forward Josh Kennedy says the defensive mindset the Eagles have adopted this season is the biggest reason for the dramatic revival that has seen them leap into finals contention.

The 4-3 Eagles sit in seventh spot on the AFL ladder after a breakthrough 33-point win in Sunday's Western Derby, the club's first win against Fremantle since round three, 2007.

Kennedy, who kicked three goals in his first Derby win, said West Coast's forward press had been part of the side's game plan for a number of years, but the players were making it work with an increased defensive mindset this season.

"Each week we know what we're capable of and we know we're really stopping teams run by doing it (the forward press)," Kennedy said from Patersons Stadium on Monday morning. 

"The confidence is building each week and it seems to be getting better and better.

"[The biggest difference is] probably the pressure that we're putting on the opposition, just that defensive mindset.

"We're all in there thinking when we don't have the ball what we've got to do, and we're doing it."

Kennedy provided a crucial defensive play in Sunday's win, setting up Mark LeCras' first goal with his tackling pressure to give the Eagles a 37-point half-time lead.

While the forwards are tackling fanatically, they are also kicking goals, with Kennedy lauding an even performance so far from the Eagles' attack.

Kennedy, LeCras, Jack Darling and Mark Nicoski all kicked multiple goals on Sunday, with coach John Worsfold's side boasting a spread of nine goalkickers.   
 
"We haven't really seen any of us kicking bags," Kennedy, who has kicked a team-high 16 goals this season, said.

"It's been a good spread of two or three goals each by all the forwards.

"[Darling] has been great in terms of that pressure he's been able to put on, and also take grabs and kick goals, and now 'Lecca' (LeCras) is back from his groin [injury], so we're getting a good spread of consistent performances through the whole forward line.
 
"The 'Q Stick' (Lynch) is taking clunks all over the ground and he's getting some shots on goal as well."

Ruckman Nic Naitnaui, who teamed with Dean Cox to have the better of Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands in the ruck on Sunday, led the Eagles' defensive pressure up the ground with 10 tackles.  

Kennedy said the 21-year-old's defensive efforts lifted the team.

"Being up forward when he's chasing blokes down and getting holding the ball, it's quite amazing - it inspires everyone," Kennedy said. 

"He's an asset to us and he's starting to get back in some really good form."

West Coast was rocked by pre-match injuries to in-form midfielders Daniel Kerr (adductor) and Andrew Embley (hamstring) in Sunday's warm up, with the pair being replaced late by young runners Andrew Gaff and Brad Sheppard.

Kennedy was hopeful both senior players would be available for Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium. 

"I think 'Kerrey' is going to get a scan, just to make sure everything's alright," he said.

"With 'Embers', he's had a weekend off, so he'll probably ramp up some running this week."

Nathan Schmook covers West Coast news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_NSchmook