Ladder leader West Coast survived a spirited fourth quarter fightback by the Kangaroos to sneak a four-point victory in their top of the table AFL clash at Telstra Dome.

The Eagles led by 27 points at three-quarter time, but only managed to scrape home 15.11 (101) to 14.13 (97) after the Kangaroos, equal second on the ladder but fifth on percentages, powered back into the match in the final term.

Four Kangaroos goals in the opening 15 minutes of the final quarter - three to Brent Harvey - set the stage for the grandstand finish.

The Kangaroos eventually kicked five goals to one for the term, as well as hitting the post twice through forward Leigh Harding.

But the Eagles, with defender David Wirrpunda outstanding in the final term, held on to post their 14th win in 15 matches this season.

Small forward Phil Matera kicked five goals for West Coast, while Nathan Thompson kicked five goals and Harvey and Harding three each for the Kangaroos.

The Kangaroos now have a 9-6 win-loss record and despite their brave loss, could drop to as low as seventh place by the end of the weekend if other results go against them.

Their woes were compounded with defender Glenn Archer reported for striking West Coast's Daniel Chick in the third quarter, while star midfielder Daniel Wells was a late withdrawal from the match.

With a little more luck, the Kangaroos could have won the game, with two missed shots at goal costly in the final wash-up.

First Harding had an open opportunity to goal along the ground from 15 metres out inside the final three minutes with the Kangaroos 12 points adrift.

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