Injury-hit West Coast will attempt to shake off their road kill tag when they take on Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.
The Eagles have produced a perfect 4-0 record at home this AFL season, including last week's 59-point demolition of Fremantle.
But their patchy form on the road has raised major question marks about their premiership credentials.
The Eagles' seven-point loss to the Bulldogs in round two was a brave showing, but they gave up a 33-point third-quarter lead against St Kilda in round four on the way to a 20-point defeat.
Their worst display was the 97-point defeat to Geelong a fortnight ago, with the Cats booting 19 goals to two after quarter time.
Hawthorn (2-5) are expected to miss the finals for the third straight year.
If West Coast are unable to come away with the win on Sunday, their top-four hopes would already be on thin ice.
The Eagles are missing seven A-grade players, with Luke Shuey, Elliot Yeo, Tom Barrass, Jeremy McGovern, Willie Rioli, Shannon Hurn, and Liam Ryan all unavailable.
Defender Liam Duggan (knee) and back-up ruckman Nathan Vardy (foot) joined the injury list this week, meaning West Coast's depth will be put to the test.
Big man Bailey Williams and utility Brendon Ah Chee were called up for their first games of the season.
Eagles coach Adam Simpson wants to see his team put in a brave performance.
"Winning's important. We just want to play consistently everywhere," Simpson said.
"We're desperate to play well, play four quarters and hopefully have a win. We're also aware of the situation we're in with our personnel.
"We thought we were really brave on the weekend and that's what we expect this week."
Hawthorn copped a 69-point flogging from St Kilda last week, but have been boosted by the return of Chad Wingard.
Dan Howe and Michael Hartley were also recalled, with Tim O'Brien (Achilles soreness) and Finn Maginness (omitted) going out.
Star midfielder Jaeger O'Meara and veteran Shaun Burgoyne remain sidelined.
"They've been a bit like us, really. Their best is really damaging," Simpson said of the Hawks.
"They've kicked multiple goals in a row, they've come back from big deficits twice this year and that tells us that their momentum swings are a bit like us.
"On the positive note, they can score quickly and they're very dangerous. They've got some good soldiers coming back in and they're playing at the MCG."
Australian Associated Press
