West Coast coach Adam Simpson is hopeful Josh Kennedy's goalkicking yips won't stretch into another week after the spearhead missed a series of set shots in the Eagles' eight-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
Kennedy missed three set shots in four minutes early in the final quarter on the way to a haul of 3.6.
The Bulldogs capitalised to close to within two goals midway through the final quarter, but West Coast held their nerve to secure the 9.15 (69) to 8.13 (61) win.
Kennedy is normally one of West Coast's most reliable set shot kickers despite his unique run-up.
The two-time Coleman medallist booted 82.37 last year, and had kicked 24.13 in the opening seven rounds this season before it all fell to pieces on Friday.
Kennedy's three goals still played a crucial part in the win, and Simpson wasn't too concerned by what he thinks will be a one-off wayward night.
"I'm hoping it's just an event," Simpson said.
"You just get the yips sometimes. I think he's as relieved as anyone we got up and won without him having to convert those.
"I still think he played well. He had nine shots on goal. We'll take that next week."
The Bulldogs also struggled in front of goal.
Coach Luke Beveridge said his players were also frustrated by their sloppy skills, which often gifted West Coast possession back in a highly congested game.
The defending premiers are now 5-3 heading into next Friday's blockbuster against Geelong, and Beveridge said they have work to do.
"Intensity in the contest has probably changed again. It's given the players less time, and we are not adjusting like we should and as we would like," Beveridge said.
"The competition is still fierce and our skill level - we train under pressure and we prepare ourselves pretty well.
"But we're not able to transition that onto the field at the moment for long enough.
"We were similar last year for a fair period and all of a sudden we clicked into gear, but we would like to clean it up a bit."
One positive for the Bulldogs was the return of forward Jack Redpath, who booted three first-half goals in his first senior game back from a knee reconstruction.
Captain Bob Murphy (soreness) is expected to return against Geelong, while Mitch Wallis, Stewart Crameri and Tory Dickson will also be in the selection frame.
Eagles defender Jeremy McGovern rolled his ankle early in the third term, but Simpson said the 25-year-old will be fit for next Sunday's clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.
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