The impressive 14.12 (96) to 13.8 (86) victory at Leederville Oval gave the Falcons back-to-back weeks in the top four for the first time this season.
The Lions mounted a physical assault on the visitors but West Perth kept a cool head to produce its most complete performance since its 100-point demolition of East Perth.
The message from Bill Monaghan to his players was simple.
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READ NOW‘Move it inside forward 50 as quickly as we possibly can, we have a clear advantage,’ he told the side at quarter time.
The Falcons heeded his advice, with Subiaco consistently caught on the hop as the West Perth defence, led by Andrew Strijk (22 disposals) and Jordan Jones (six marks), rebounded with conviction.
Nick Rodda kicked four goals in a performance that’s likely to see him spend more time in attack.
Monaghan had previously said he preferred the 19-year-old in defence, but the big-bodied combination of Rodda and Marcus Adams (three goals) looks to be a winning formula.
The forward line was well serviced by Andrew Krakouer (six inside 50s), who delivered wonderfully by foot in his best performance of the season.
With West Perth 22 points up at three-quarter-time, Monaghan willed his players to assert their dominance, saying Subiaco was not up for the challenge.
The Lions nearly proved the premiership coach wrong, hitting back hard in the final term to outscore the Falcons four goals to two and come within five points late in the game.
But West Perth saw out the threat to affirm its season is back on track.