West Coast coach Adam Simpson said the team's leaders had driven the physical edge to Saturday night's RAC Derby, with the team making progress at the end of a disappointing season. 

The understrength Eagles pushed Fremantle but couldn't threaten late in a 24-point loss in wet and slippery conditions.

"We played with spirit, good tackle pressure, but we couldn't sustain it. You can't question our effort tonight," Simpson said post-match. 

"They played the game the right way. It's a derby. I wish we could play like that every week. 

"There is an edge to the game ... the way the game is played these days, the way they all know each other, there is a bit more respect and conversations had and it just doesn't happen as much. 

"They took it to a level that made Freo earn it."

Simpson said he was campaigning for key defender Barrass to earn his first All-Australian blazer after another brilliant shutdown job. 

As well as keeping Lobb goalless, the 26-year-old finished with 20 disposals and 12 marks, with a game-high 14 intercepts. 

"He's not just winning his position, he is dominating it as full-back. He was the highest-ranked player today, again," Simpson said.