The Western Bulldogs' AFL premiership defence continues to teeter on the brink, with West Coast holding them off for a gusty seven-point win.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson lauded his team's bravery after the 12.15 (87) to 11.14 (80) win on Saturday at Etihad Stadium, while and Bulldogs counterpart Luke Beveridge lamented his charges' ball use.
The Bulldogs charged back from 30 points down late in the third term to trail by a point in a frenetic last quarter.
Then Eagles ruckman Nathan Vardy snapped a goal to give them breathing space before he and Jeremy McGovern took match-saving marks in defence.
Injury-plagued West Coast celebrated a rare win in Melbourne, despite losing Sam Butler (hamstring) and Sharrod Wellingham (hip) before three-quarter time.
While they consolidated their top-eight berth, the Bulldogs are a game out of eighth spot before a tough Friday night assignment against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.
"They were definitely the better side by a fair way up until three-quarter time," Beveridge said.
"The main thing that hurt us was our ball use and West Coast's intensity.
"If we use the ball like that against any team, we're in trouble."
Beveridge was pleased they rallied with four goals to one in the last quarter, noting Sydney and Melbourne beat them by heavy margins in June.
But he added they needed to work on their "consistency of application".
Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen had another quiet game for the Bulldogs, with Mark Hutchings putting plenty of physical work into him.
Beveridge defended the out-of-form star, saying there were other defenders who can do the same job for them.
The Bulldogs coach also would not buy into the umpiring, with the free kick count going against them 25-19.
Beveridge was unhappy during the week with the commentary around the lopsided free kick count in favour of the Bulldogs during last Saturday night's tight win over North Melbourne.
"It's not going to add any value if I breathe oxygen into that conversation," he said.
The Bulldogs are 7-7 and routinely being questioned about their application, something Beveridge defends.
"I will never openly question their hunger," he said.
Eagles onballer Andrew Gaff was best afield with a career-high 42 disposals and forward Jack Darling also stood up, kicking three goals, while Eric Mackenzie blanketed Bulldogs star Jake Stringer.
West Coast were without several stars because of injury, including captain Shannon Hurn, Josh Kennedy, Matt Priddis and Mark Le Cras.
"We know we've been poor over here, the last three games (and) two of them were blowouts," Simpson said.
"In general the players were pretty brave today ... I'm really proud of the players, with their resilience."
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