WA can put themselves back into final contention with a win in the third last game of the campaign while the winless Redbacks are just playing for pride.

It proved an opening day dominated by the ball after WA captain Mitch Marsh won the toss and decided to bowl.

After South Australia started well to be 0-60 and 2-98, they lost their last eight wickets for 61 to be all out for 159.

Guthrie was the star for WA with the left-arm quick claiming 4-53 including the scalps of Connor McInerney (43), Travis Head (29) and Callum Ferguson (16).

He had a busy day in the field with a run out and good catch as well.

"It's nice to get a few wickets but obviously what we want is to get the win at the end of the game, but it was nice obviously," Guthrie said.

"Fielding is a big part of what you're doing when you aren't bowling. You always have to stay switched on and you have to be ready all the time even though it's such a long game. It was nice to contribute in other areas."

WA went to stumps at 4-75 having already lost Sam Whiteman (12), Cameron Bancroft (11), Josh Inglis (23) and Marsh (17).

Hilton Cartwright and Matt Kelly both will resume on four to start day two with Guthrie knowing the importance of this game in the context of WA's season.

"If we can get 50 or so ahead and then have another dip at them, we'll hopefully get them out for another decent score and try to get the runs in the last innings," Guthrie said.

"Last week obviously wasn't great (loss to NSW) but if we can get a win here and go away next game and do the same we can still have a chance to play in the final. But we have to win here first."

Australian Associated Press