West Coast ruckman Nic Naitanui says the team is desperate to break their duck against finals contenders, but insists Sunday's clash with North Melbourne isn't make-or-break for the AFL club's top-four hopes.
Eighth-placed West Coast (9-5) sit just one win adrift of second spot despite failing to beat a top-eight outfit this year.
They copped big losses away from home against Hawthorn, Sydney, and Geelong, and coughed up a 26-point lead at home to Adelaide in round 12.
West Coast also lost a close contest away to the Bulldogs in round 11.
The Eagles have a chance to finally break that losing trend when they host the seventh-placed Kangaroos, and Naitanui says his team are gunning for victory.
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"We need a top-eight scalp, and what better way to kick it off than in the multicultural round here at home," Naitanui said.
"Obviously when it's in the media every day, you can't shy away from the fact you do need one.
"Sides like North Melbourne are teams you want to beat, because they're going to be the teams that are going to be there at the end of the year.
"I wouldn't say make or break (for top four), but it's a game we pencil in and say we really want to win."
Naitanui will miss at least three more matches following surgery to remove the plantaris tendon from each of his feet.
The 2012 All-Australian is confident the operation will eradicate the Achilles tendon pain he's been feeling this season.
In Naitanui's absence, Scott Lycett will be forced to shoulder the bulk of the ruck work against North Melbourne's All-Australian ruckman Todd Goldstein.
