West Coast have overcome the early loss of star forward Jack Darling to post a 13-point win over St Kilda in Saturday night's AFL clash at Optus Stadium.
Darling injured his right ankle in a marking contest during the opening quarter, but Josh Kennedy filled the void with six goals in the 16.5 (101) to 14.4 (88) win.
West Coast's 10th victory in a row keeps them a game clear on top of the ladder.
St Kilda remain winless since round one, leaving coach Alan Richardson with just 34 victories to his name from his first 100 games in charge.
The Saints trailed by 48 points early in the final quarter, but a late flurry of goals added respectability to the scoreboard.
St Kilda forward Tim Membrey, who booted 1.5 against Fremantle earlier this year in Perth, finished with 6.0, nine marks and 20 possessions in a star display.
Membrey's three last-quarter goals gave the visitors a sniff of pulling off a remarkable victory, but they left their run too late.
Darling was in agony after suffering his first-quarter injury, and returned from the change rooms on crutches.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson wasn't sure how serious the injury was, and couldn't rule out a fracture.
"I can't rule anything out on Jack," Simpson said.
"I'm worried, but I always worry."
St Kilda were also dealt an injury blow, with captain Jarryn Geary's night ending in the third quarter because of a calf issue.
Saints coach Alan Richardson was proud of the way his players fought out the final term.
"There was two choices. We could dig a hole for ourselves and just hope the siren went and get on the plan with our tail between our legs, or we could fight," Richardson said.
"I'm really pleased that we took the harder option and dug in and played for our footy club."
West Coast entered the match without star midfielder Luke Shuey, who was due to return from a hamstring injury but was withdrawn on Saturday morning.
This opened the door for Dom Sheed, who was unlucky to have been dropped initially.
Sheed finished the match with 26 disposals and seven clearances.
But Kennedy stole the show in front of 54,188 fans, with the two-time Coleman medallist booting four goals in the third quarter.
Nic Naitanui kicked two goals in the opening term to give West Coast a 17-point lead at the first break.
St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin was forced to the bench in the opening term with a rib issue, but he was able to return.
However, the news wasn't as good for Darling, who suffered his bad ankle roll when he landed on Membrey's foot.
West Coast led by 28 points at halftime, and Kennedy blew the Saints away in a dominant third quarter.
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