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West Coast's top-four hopes have been dealt a major blow after suffering a 55-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in Perth.

West Coast coach Adam Simpson insists the decision to recall five key players all at once wasn't to blame for Sunday's 55-point AFL loss to the Western Bulldogs.

The Eagles welcomed back star midfielders Tim Kelly (knee) and Luke Shuey (hamstring) for the high-stakes clash at Optus Stadium, along with defender Jeremy McGovern (knee), Brad Sheppard (concussion), and Jack Petruccelle (hamstring).

West Coast big man Nic Naitanui dominated in the ruck, but West Coast's midfield was obliterated at ground level.

The Eagles won the hitout battle 45-25, but they lost the clearances 44-29 despite Naitanui racking up eight clearances himself.

The Bulldogs won the inside 50m count 60-38, and they won the contested possession battle by 30.

The damn wall broke in the final quarter when the Bulldogs kicked six straight goals during a mesmerising blitz, with West Coast players appearing to tire.

Simpson entered the match knowing it was a risk bringing back so many players at once, but he doesn't think that was the reason why they lost.

"There's no excuse. They were ready to play," Simpson said.

"We knew the players we've got were going to take a few weeks to get back to their best.

"So that was definitely obvious that we got outworked in the midfield and outhunted, and we didn't handle it well enough.

"No excuses though. We picked a side we thought could win and we didn't beat what we knew was coming.

"I don't think our boys will be putting up their hands to say we were underdone and that's why we lost."

The 13.20 (98) to 6.7 (43) defeat leaves West Coast in seventh spot with an 8-6 record ahead of Sunday's clash with Sydney at Geelong's home venue of GMHBA Stadium.

The second-placed Bulldogs improved their record to 11-3, but they are set to be without defender Ryan Gardner for an extended period after the 24-year-old injured his right shoulder in a collision with Josh Kennedy.

Gardner will undergo scans to determine whether he needs surgery.

Forward Aaron Naughton, who was in some doubt for Sunday's match after injuring his ribs against Geelong, produced a standout display with four goals and nine marks - including five contested.

The Bulldogs will take on North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.