They've been labelled mummy's boys who lack a nasty edge, but West Coast will be aiming to prove they at least rule the roost in their own backyard in Saturday night's western derby clash with Fremantle.
The Eagles have copped widespread criticism following their insipid 51-point loss to Hawthorn last week.
It was West Coast's second loss at the MCG this season, with AFL greats such as Jonathan Brown, Matthew Lloyd, and Garry Lyon questioning the Eagles' mettle on the road.
West Coast will have to wait until next week's clash with the Power in Adelaide to prove they are no easy kills on the road.
But first, they have the chance to reassert their authority on home soil against a rejuvenated Dockers outfit.
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Both teams enter the derby with 3-2 records - a surprising ledger for contrasting reasons.
The Dockers were being talked up as wooden spoon contenders after round two, but they have since racked up three straight wins to get back into the finals mix.
West Coast were considered legitimate premiership contenders before their flops against Richmond and Hawthorn.
Veteran Eagles defender Sam Butler said he couldn't fully explain the team's poor form at the MCG.
"We can't ignore the fact it's been happening. The most frustrating thing for us and the fans is they know what the boys are capable of," Butler told 6PR's Sportsday.
"Certainly the way the players felt after the game - we were quite embarrassed.
"The fans probably want answers as well.
"The bad thing about it for us is it presents as a trend - being at the MCG and being away games. So we have to look at that."
The Dockers were dealt a blow this week when Stephen Hill was ruled out for up to a month with a hamstring injury.
But West Coast were also forced to make changes after Jamie Cripps (ankle) and Jackson Nelson (wrist) were cut down by injuries.
The return of Sam Mitchell from an ankle injury is a major boost for the Eagles, while ruckman Jonathan Giles earns a recall in a bid to counter the influence of Fremantle giant Aaron Sandilands.
Eagles forward Josh Kennedy booted seven goals in the round-20 derby win last year.
Dockers coach Ross Lyon said it was vitally important for his team to apply pressure further up the field to limit Kennedy's opportunities.
