WITH leading goalkicker Josh Kennedy sidelined and star forward Mark LeCras well-held against Richmond on Sunday, it was up to West Coast's next rung of forwards to step up and hit the scoreboard at Patersons Stadium.

That the Eagles would go on to kick their second highest score of the season in the 22.15 (147) to 14.6 (90) win is largely due to career-best tallies from Mark Nicoski (six), Brad Ebert (four) and Jack Darling (four).

LeCras was still a solid contributor on Sunday, finishing with 22 disposals and five inside 50s playing higher up the ground, but Ebert said it was hopefully the sign of a maturing team that the Eagles could cover for their two leading goalkickers.

"Everyone handled the load and it was a good spread across the board," said Ebert, who also had 21 disposals playing as a half-forward in his best game for the season. 

"Obviously we've been working on consistency and with 'JK' out a few guys had to step up and play those four quarters. It seemed to work pretty well.
 
"Personally I was pretty happy. It felt great to kick a couple of goals."

With the return from injury of key onballer Daniel Kerr and the emergence of midfielders Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff, Ebert has played predominantly as a half-forward this season. 

It's a role that appears to suit the 21-year-old South Australian, who has utilised his contested marking ability and lifted his kicking efficiency.  

"I think the way the game's going, there's a few more marking contests and the position I'm playing in this year, I'm getting the opportunity to fly at those marks," he said. 

"I feel confident going for them and I think that's a big area, confidence to actually fly and go for them.

"I've worked pretty hard in that position to make sure I know how to play it properly and I feel as if now I'm starting to get the hang of it."

Coach John Worsfold was pleased with how his forward line functioned on Sunday, praising the hard work of Ebert, Darling and Nicoski, who kicked 6.0 to take his season tally to 29.22.

"He [Nicoski] has had a couple of games where he's had as many shots but hasn't kicked it straight, so that makes a massive difference as well," Worsfold said.

"All those guys have been working hard all year in those roles, and that's the nature of our game — with Kennedy out of the side and 'Lecca' pushing up higher at different times, those guys were more in the action.

"They capitalised really well."

Nathan Schmook covers West Coast news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_NSchmook