In reply to WA's 8-492 declared, the Redbacks were in all sorts of trouble at 7-154 early on day three.

But a fighting 143 off 200 balls from first-time skipper Carey helped lift the Redbacks to 353 - just 10 runs past what they needed to avoid the follow-on.

WA ended day three at 4-70 in their second innings - an overall lead of 209 - with Shaun Marsh (32no) and Cameron Green (7no) at the crease.

Although the Warriors are still in the box seat to secure a victory - or a draw at the very least - Carey's knock and a clutter of late WA wickets have given the Redbacks a sniff.

Carey feels his team can chase down a target of around 300.

"We didn't have the first two days go to plan and we put a big focus on today to show some fight and some spirit," Carey said.

"I'm really proud of the boys for how we stood up with the bat and then how we finished the day with the ball."

Warriors opener Cameron Bancroft fell for 23 when he feathered a leg-side delivery through to the keeper, while Marcus Stoinis and Jake Carder fell for ducks.

Stand-in skipper Ashton Turner was dismissed for six, capping off a disastrous period in which WA lost 3-12.

Carey had endured a forgettable match up until his fighting knock.

Australia's ODI vice-captain and wicketkeeper dropped two catches during WA's big first innings.

And then in the final over of play on Saturday, his attempt at a quick single resulted in the run-out of debutant Liam Scott.

Carey made up for those mistakes with the bat, cracking 23 fours and two sixes in his sparkling knock.

He was brought undone shortly before tea when he edged a rising Marcus Stoinis delivery through to the keeper.

WA veteran Shaun Marsh produced the highlight of the day when he pulled off a stunning one-handed diving catch at second slip to remove Wes Agar.

Australian Associated Press