Eagles soar away as

THE Western Bulldogs’ AFL premiership defence continues to slide, with West Coast holding them off for a gutsy sevenpoint win.

Eagles coach Adam Simpson lauded his team’s bravery after the 12.15 (87) to 11.14 (80) win yesterday at Etihad Stadium, while and Bulldogs counterpart Luke Beveridge lamented his charges’ ball use.

The Bulldogs charged from 30 points down late in the third term to trail by a point in a frenetic last quarter.

Eagles ruckman Nathan Vardy snapped a goal to give them breathing space before he and Jeremy McGovern took crucial marks in defence.

Injury-plagued West Coast celebrated a rare win in Mel- bourne, despite losing Sam Butler (hamstring) and Sharrod Wellingham (hip) before three-quarter time.

While they consolidated their top-eight berth, the Bulldogs are a game out of eighth spot before a tough Friday night assignment against the Crows at Adelaide Oval.

“They were definitely the better side by a fair way up until three-quarter time,” Beveridge said.

“The main thing that hurt us was our ball use and West Coast’s intensity.”

Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen had another quiet game for the Bulldogs, with Mark Hutchings putting plenty of work into him.

Eagles onballer Andrew Gaff was best afield with a career-high 42 disposals and for-