WEST Coast forward Josh Kennedy unleashed an opening-term blitz to help power the Eagles to a record 103-point win over St Kilda in Sunday's clash at Domain Stadium.
Kennedy booted five goals in the first quarter to set up the 20.12 (132) to 3.11 (29) romp, with the Eagles never challenged after kicking the first nine goals of the match.
Although Kennedy failed to kick a goal after quarter-time, Mark LeCras (six goals), Luke Shuey (31 disposals), Andrew Gaff (36 disposals), and Nic Naitanui (33 hit-outs) ensured West Coast continued to hammer St Kilda on the scoreboard.
The victory was West Coast's biggest ever triumph over St Kilda, eclipsing the 95-point margin they beat them by in Perth last season.
"We had a good day today," Eagles coach Adam Simpson said post-match.
"We just asked (the players) to continue to improve and play the way we want to play.
"It wasn't one of those soul-searching weeks. We played a really good side in Geelong (last week) and we weren't good enough.
"It's just a long year. So for us to rebound and play well is pleasing. I'm happy with the margin but we've still got some work to do."
St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt tried his best to stem the flow by roaming to all parts of the ground, but West Coast's dominance of the midfield battle meant the result was only ever going to go one way.
Nick Riewoldt finished with 22 disposals and 10 marks
Saints coach Alan Richardson said his side got beaten up physically.
"We got smashed by a really good footy team," Richardson said.
"They responded the way we thought.
"I didn't see that coming. They just smashed us. Whilst we were poor, we just couldn't cope with their attack on the footy and their attack on us when we had on the ball.
"Our kicking - that's as bad as we've kicked the ball. Once again, full credit to West Coast from a defensive perspective."
The victory lifted West Coast (5-3) back to within striking distance of the top four, but they are yet to win on the road this season - a situation they can change in Saturday's clash with the Power at Adelaide Oval.
Kennedy was an unstoppable force during the opening term as West Coast slammed through nine unanswered goals to start the game.
The 28-year-old booted two goals in the match's opening two minutes and by the time he kicked his fifth, it was effectively game over as West Coast's lead ballooned to 57-1.
Chances on goal were few and far between for the Saints.
And when they did get them, they often ended badly.
Skipper Nick Riewoldt tried his heart out in the opening half, but his set-shot kicking let him down.
Riewoldt fluffed his kick at goal on the quarter-time siren, and he didn't even make the distance with his 45m set-shot in the second term.
Spearhead Josh Bruce was just as guilty, spraying two set-shots in the second quarter to add to the frustrations of coach Alan Richardson.
St Kilda's only major for the half came just before quarter-time when Jack Steven dribbled through a goal.
The onslaught was briefly halted early in the third quarter, but West Coast soon regained their groove to power to the triple-figure win.
Seb Ross fought bravely for the Saints, finishing with 8 tackles.
MEDICAL ROOM
West Coast: Apart from a few knocks, the Eagles escaped unscathed. Adam Simpson said he took the opportunity to rest a few key men late in the last quarter with a six-day break coming.
St Kilda: The Saints have no injury concerns coming out of the loss and hope to regain Sam Fisher next week.
NEXT UP
The Eagles head to Adelaide Oval to face Port Adelaide on Saturday afternoon. The Saints face Essendon at Etihad Stadium next Sunday afternoon.
WEST COAST 9.3 12.5 15.8 20.12 (132)
ST KILDA 1.3 1.9 2.10 3.11 (29)
GOALS
West Coast: LeCras 6, Kennedy 5, Hutchings 2, Darling 2, Cripps, Lycett, Hill, McGovern, Yeo
St Kilda: Steven, Bruce, Weller
BEST
West Coast: Shuey, LeCras, Gaff, Butler, Kennedy, Naitanui
St Kilda: Steven, Ross, Montagna, Armitage, Billings
INJURIES
West Coast: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Farmer, Dalgleish, Ryan
Official crowd: 36,140 at Domain Stadium
