It’s the AFL’s version of ‘whack-a-mole’ and trying to combat the Western Bulldogs’ star-studded engine room is at the forefront of West Coast coach Adam Simpson’s mind ahead of Sunday’s massive challenge at Optus Stadium.

Last time the teams met in round two, it was the Dogs’ superstar skipper Marcus Bontempelli who stole the show with 30 disposals and three goals – including the clutch game-sealer – in a cracking game at Marvel Stadium.

But a quick glance at the stats sheet shows the supporting cast Jack Macrae (41 disposals, nine clearances), Tom Liberatore (26, nine), Bailey Smith (25 disposals) and Lachie Hunter (21) more than played their roles as the Eagles went down by seven points.

“That’s the thing with the Doggies; you think it could be ‘Bont’ and then ‘Libba’ will tear you apart, then Macrae, Hunter, all these guys,” Simpson said.

“Their midfield is a real strength of theirs but it’s their system, it’s what they do together that you’ve got to try and combat.

“Whether that’s taking on a player and trying to tag someone, or trying something different or just playing your way and backing your own way in, so that’s something we’ve got to work through.”

While Adam Treloar and Josh Dunkley will be missing from the visitors’ onball brigade this time – and the Eagles are likely to welcome back Luke Shuey and Tim Kelly to make a full-strength midfield cohort for the first time in 2021 - Simpson is under no illusions about the challenge West Coast faces.

The Bulldogs sit second on the ladder with a 10-3 record, and their three defeats have been against the cream of the crop - reigning premier Richmond, League leader Melbourne and Geelong.

“They’re the real deal, the Bulldogs. Looking at the vision they could easily have won that game (after-the-siren loss against the Cats) obviously on the weekend,” Simpson said.

“They’ve lost to three top-four teams throughout the year and they’re in a good space.

“They’ve obviously got a lot of confidence in their system, got plenty of talent and they work their backsides off."

After refreshing during the bye week, the Eagles are facing a huge run home and at 8-5 are looking to consolidate a position inside the top eight.

“For us to qualify (for finals), these games are big. Home games are important for us. We hung in there against the Tigers and we showed some really good resilience and spirit,” Simpson said.

“We’re going to have to do the same against the Bulldogs.

“Massive challenge for us but the guys are up for it. They’re really looking forward to it.”

West Coast will be boosted by some big-name returns, forcing some tough decisions at match committee following impressive performances from a host of youngsters in wins over the Tigers and Carlton.

“You need a squad mentality – everyone knows that – and with our injuries being to significant players there’s been good growth,” Simpson said.

“Yep, good to have our leaders back but we’ve been really happy with some of the kids as well.”