Photos: West Coast v Hawthorn: Big men hurt as Eagles topple Hawks

But it's probably a bit premature to declare the Hawks' chances of claiming an historic fourth consecutive premiership gone also.

Although with ruckman Jon Ceglar limping off the ground in the third term with a knee injury, the Hawks could have plenty of concerns.

The Eagles have their own issues. The cheers of their fans turned to a deathly silence just before three-quarter-time siren as ruckman Nic Naitanui also needed assistance to get from the ground and was on crutches as the game ended.

Naitanui, who has struggled with injury this season, landed awkwardly from a ruck contest and grabbed for his left knee as soon as he landed.

While Naitanui was heading to the bench,  teammate Luke Shuey kicked his side's 12th goal to give the Eagles a 41-point lead at the last change.

The statistics were amazing at that time. The home side led the contested possession count by 45 (120-75), inside-50 count by 20 (45-25) and clearances by 12 (33-21). It was as comprehensive beating as the Hawks have been handed in a while.

That margin was flattering too, as the home side kicked 3.9 to 3.0 in that third quarter.

.Josh Kennedy booted five goals for the game to exorcise some of the demons from last year's grand final loss to the Hawks.

And he's going to be tough to catch for the Coleman Medal now too. His season's tally of 75 is eight ahead of Sydney's Lance Franklin and 12 ahead of the Gold Coast's Tom Lynch – with the latter two still to play this weekend.

The Hawks remain on top of the ladder after the loss, but by the end of the weekend they could be, and should be, as low as fourth spot.  Sydney, Adelaide and Geelong can all jump ahead of them with wins.The Hawks' low percentage is starting to hurt them. A loss to Collingwood at the MCG next Sunday in the final home-and-away round, could see the Hawks fall finish outside of the top four for the first time since 2010.

It would be a remarkable effort to win the flag from there. But keep in mind they have won the past three flags from first (2013), second (2014) and third (2015) spots on the ladder. A cup claimed from fourth position would complete the set.

A win against the Pies though, will keep Alastair Clarkson's men in the top four and possible trips to Sydney or Adelaide in the first round of finals.

Remember they lost to the Eagles in the first week of finals last season, but recovered to win a preliminary final against Fremantle at Domain Stadium two weeks later and then went on to win another premiership.

West Coast have revitalised its season in the past two weeks, with a one-point win over GWS last week and now this.

But is it a case of too little too late?

Even a win against Adelaide next Friday night, which would be their 16th, probably won't be enough for them to scrape into the top four.

West Coast took the game to the Hawks early on Friday night.

They led by 30 points at half-time, after Hawk James Sicily, a late replacement for an ill Will Langford, kicked a goal right on the siren to end the second term.

The Eagles extra pressure saw the reigning champ's usually reliable and pin-point disposal accuracy go missing.

For a while, it looked as though the Eagles were going to blow their early opportunities though. Not many sides can get away from kicking 1.3 from six early shots at goal.

And when Jack Gunston and Jack Breust slotted through their rare chances midway through the first term, the Hawks amazingly held four-point lead.

This story first appeared on The Sydney Morning Herald.