It was far from the easy victory most had predicted, but West Coast did enough to overcome a spirited Western Bulldogs and continue its unbeaten start to the AFL season at Subiaco Oval.

The Eagles were never able to establish a match-winning margin during a surprisingly tight contest, enjoying their biggest lead in the dying minutes of the final quarter.

But the class of the Eagles eventually proved the difference, winning 21.17 (143) to 17.5 (107).

A virtuoso performance by Chris Judd, who continues to firm as favourite for consecutive Brownlow medals, steered West Coast to its fourth win from as many starts this year.

Judd (36 possessions, two goals) found able assistance from skipper Ben Cousins (31 possessions, four goals), Chad Fletcher and David Wirrpunda in a solid display from the early competition favourites.

Lindsay Gilbee excelled for the Dogs, kicking four goals and proving a threat all day, while 18-year-old Ryan Griffen will have excited Dogs fans with an outstanding debut.

Coach Rodney Eade also resisted the temptation to flood, as had been widely expected, with a record Perth crowd between the two teams of 39,124 treated to an entertaining game of football.

The quality of the home side eventually proved the difference, however, with West Coast winning its first four games of the year for the first time since 1999.

Gilbee gave the visitors the ideal start, kicking the opening two goals before West Coast had warmed up.

The teams then began trading goals in a free-flowing contest, with the Dogs' speed out of halfback a highlight as they attempted to meet the Eagles head-on.

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