WEST Coast coach Adam Simpson has delivered a blunt appraisal of his team's underwhelming interstate form, saying "you don't know what you're going to get when you travel". 

The Eagles have once again been left scratching their heads following another capitulation in Melbourne, this time at the hands of Essendon at Etihad Stadium. 

Simpson said he was at a loss to explain his side's interstate form on the back of the shock 61-point loss to the Bombers.

"Our good is really good and our bad is really, really bad," Simpson told Fox Footy on Monday night. 

"Finding the balance between those two is our challenge and that's what's so frustrating about us at the moment is you don't know what you're going to get when you travel. 

"I did think we'd gone past that performance on the weekend, but it just shows if you're off that little bit, you're going to get whacked." 

West Coast has now lost three successive games at the MCG and Etihad Stadium, which includes defeats to Richmond (round three) and Hawthorn (round five). 

Despite the recent interstate losses, the Eagles managed to secure away wins over North Melbourne (round one) and Port Adelaide (round seven). 

The Eagles' next game in Melbourne is in round 15 against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium. 

Simpson again challenged his leaders to respond and said they were guilty of trying too hard in some instances.

"I feel like when our backs are against the wall, they probably try too hard in terms of bees to the honey pot with the contest and try and force things," Simpson said.

"Especially when you're a couple of goals down, you're interstate and it's a really important five minutes coming up, it's not about you getting the ball or kicking the ball. It's probably about playing your role. 

"We really rely on our leaders – as every club does – especially when you're interstate and when you're under the pump, so we'll continue to grow and work with them."