WEST Coast’s gritty 10-point win was the best Adam Simpson has had as a senior coach.
The Eagles dominated the third quarter but were challenged by Port Adelaide in the final 10 minutes and withstood the pressure.
"It's the best win I've been a part of since I've been at the club," Simpson said.
"We've probably been building to this for a few weeks."
Trailing by 17 points at half-time, the Eagles kicked four goals to one in the third quarter off the back of 17 inside 50s to six. Josh Kennedy, despite carrying an elbow injury, provided an important target with six marks and a goal.
"I think if he didn't play tonight we probably don't win," Simpson remarked.
"He is playing sore and if he falls on it the wrong way there's potential for more damage, but it is low risk.
"He doesn't need [an operation]."
Adding to his gutsy effort was the fact he dislocated his finger in the second quarter.
Simpson was also happy with his depleted backline. Without Eric Mackenzie and Mitch Brown, Jeremy McGovern and his teammates have stood up when it's mattered most.
"That last 10 minutes when we were under siege, I thought our backs really stood up as well," Simpson noted.
"[Will] Schofield's playing a key position, when I got to the club he was a running half-back/wingman.
"Hopefully we've developed more of a steely resolve.”
Simpson said he was pleased with Sharrod Wellingham (22 possessions, 11 marks, five rebound-50s), who's relishing a new role across half-back.
"He's really stepped up," Simpson said.
"He's got his last year of his contract, so he's playing with a bit more desperation than I noticed last year.
"He might be on the one-yearer's (sic) from now on."
The win moves West Coast (4-2) to second on the ladder. The Eagles’ midfield mix of experience in Matt Priddis (31 touches, 21 contested) and Mark Lecras (28 touches and a goal) and youth, Elliot Yeo and Dom Sheed, is very exciting.
Simpson insisted the club wouldn't get ahead of itself.
"We're really starting to see some excitement and development with our kids coming through," Simpson stated.
"I think we'll take a lot of confidence from this game.
"Playing our way and having the belief that it works is important for our group.
"Not getting too carried away as you can probably tell."
A struggling Gold Coast side awaits them in Perth in round seven.
