West Coast gave their top-four hopes an almighty boost with a 32-point win over North Melbourne in Sunday’s spiteful AFL clash at Domain Stadium.

Eagles forward Josh Kennedy booted four goals in the 16.8 (104) to 11.6 (72) win, with the victory ending West Coast’s losing run against top-eight sides this season.

The result saw West Coast (10-5) jump from eighth up to fifth, leaving them just one win adrift of second spot.

The Kangaroos (10-5) were on top of the ladder after starting their season with nine straight wins.

But five losses from their past six games have seen them plummet to eighth.

Eagles ruckman Scott Lycett could come under strife for his head-high bump on Jack Ziebell in a match that featured several spiteful moments.

North Melbourne gave away four goals from 50m penalties in an undisciplined display, and they lost Farren Ray (hamstring) to injury before half-time.

Forward Mason Wood injured his knee in the third term while making a tackle, and star veteran Nick Dal Santo (illness) was forced out before the match.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein tallied 65 hit-outs for the match, but West Coast only marginally lost the clearance battle (46-41).

The Kangaroos won the inside-50m count 14-5 in the opening term, but West Coast made the most of their limited chances to open up a seven-point lead.

The second quarter was a rugged affair as the game finally lived up to its billing.

Eagles utility Patrick McGinnity infuriated Kangaroos players when he bumped Sam Gibson into the fence.

And West Coast players got stuck into Jack Ziebell after he gave Elliot Yeo a whack on the head just after the Eagle had marked it.

Both incidents resulted in goals.

But the dumbest moment of the term belonged to Kangaroos midfielder Trent Dumont, who gave away a 50m penalty when he threw the ball to a teammate instead of Lycett after the Eagles ruckman was paid a free kick.

West Coast kicked away in the third quarter, opening up a 33-point lead by the final change before cruising to victory.

The Eagles will start favourites in upcoming games against Carlton (MCG), Melbourne, Collingwood (MCG) and Fremantle.

But the last three rounds will determine their top-four hopes when they confront GWS (Spotless Stadium), Hawthorn, and the Crows (Adelaide Oval).