WEST Coast steadied its shaky season with a gutsy 11-point win over Greater Western Sydney and reinforcements could be on the way to help the Eagles tighten their grip on a top-four spot in the run home. 

The Eagles got the job done over the gallant Giants at Optus Stadium and snapped a three-game losing streak, with a makeshift attack taking their chances while the visitors squandered some golden opportunities.

Thrown forward again in Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling's absences, star defender Jeremy McGovern lifted after a quiet first half and finished with two crucial goals, while Andrew Gaff, Mark Hutchings, Willie Rioli and Jamie Cripps also chipped in with a couple each. 

EAGLES SNEAK HOME Full match coverage and stats

Speaking post-match, relieved coach Adam Simpson praised his troops for holding on for an 11th victory and hoped some star power would be available for a crunch match against second-placed Collingwood at the MCG next Sunday. 

"We could have up to four players coming back with JK and JD and (Mark) LeCras. Dom (Sheed) is available and (Tom) Barrass as well," Simpson said.

"We'll have to manage that if they all come back at once."

Simpson was rewarded for keeping McGovern (six disposals) forward against the Giants and dismissed suggestions it was a courageous call to stick with him in attack.

"You've got to understand when you play a key position forward, obviously you want the ball in his hand, but he just needs to make a contest," Simpson said.

"He hasn't trained or played there, and we need him to step up and play a role for us.

"His talent gets him to a certain level, but his contest stuff and ability to win or halve a contest was really pleasing.

"I still think he had an impact and helped our structure and our leadership, so we were pleased with his performance."

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The midfield battle was always going to be decisive on Sunday and West Coast's engine room dominated clearances (43-33) and were competitive at the coalface (136-140 contested possessions).

Brownlow Medal dark horse Andrew Gaff racked up 41 touches, Elliot Yeo (32 disposals) was excellent from the opening bounce and vice-captain Luke Shuey (12 clearances) produced his best performance since coming back from a hamstring strain.

After coming under fire for a lacklustre effort against Adelaide, gun ruckman Nic Naitanui (41 hit-outs, five clearances) took a Mark of the Year contender and stood up following a week of speculation if he would take his place due to soreness. 

"There was a question mark on whether he should play or not – I'm pretty glad he did," Simpson said.

"It was a pretty good mark, but I was probably more impressed with the other stuff, along with our captain, Shannon Hurn, I thought he was exceptional.

"I think we had contributors across the board, so I'm reasonably happy with our leaders."

Simpson had "a lot" going through his mind when defender Tom Cole was controversially pinged for holding the ball in the final term, gifting the Giants a go-ahead goal, but refrained from criticising the umpires.

WATCH Adam Simpson's full post-match media conference

While he had the chance for a deep breath after the victory, Simpson was already looking ahead to the Magpies clash at the MCG, where the Eagles' have won only two of their last seven, both against struggling Carlton. 

"Not worried about the MCG conversation at all," Simpson said.

"Hopefully we get to train there. We'll embrace all that as an opportunity to play there.

"It's more about who we play and not where."