The West Coast Eagles lost an epic AFLW RAC Derby against Fremantle, but again confirmed they are taking positive steps in their development in a gritty display at Optus Stadium.

Despite losing by three points 3.5 (23) to 3.8 (26) to trajectory of the young Eagles as undeniable as they continue to close the gap on their cross-town rivals who had a three-year start on their AFLW journey.

The Eagles edged within a point with five minutes to play when Bella Lewis converted a set shot from about 25 metres after accepting a pass from captain Emma Swanson. But they could not muster another assault on goal in the closing moments.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Isabella Lewis of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on September 23, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

After leading for much of the game, it was a tough loss for the Eagles but they produced a performance punctuated by a strong commitment to the contest, slick ball movement and a capacity to get behind the Fremantle defensive wall.

The Dockers, a more mature and experienced outfit, were probably a little more composed in key moments and made the most of their opportunities in front a good public holiday crowd of 6552.

Lewis was again outstanding through the midfield with 25 possessions and six marks while Swanson was also in the thick of it with 20 disposals and five marks.

With ruck Sarah Lakay also continuing her strong run of form and youngsters Courtney Rowley, Ella Roberts, Mikayla Western and veteran Dana Hooker also wielding an influence the Eagles were in the thick of it from the moment Kate Bartlett kicked the opening goal of the game.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Dana Hooker of the Eagles marks the ball during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Fremantle Dockers at Optus Stadium on September 23, 2022 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Jaide Britton also chimed in and one of the great moments in the game came in the second term when debutant Abbygail Bushby kicked the first goal of her career.

Defensively, Belinda Smith and Charlie Thomas offered strong rebound while Sophie MacDonald had an intriguing battle with Dockers spearhead Aine Tighe who kicked two goals.

Fremantle captain Hayley Miller won the RAC Medal as best afield while Gabby Sullivan was also influential.

Fremantle                 1.1    2.2    3.4    3.8 (26)
West Coast Eagles    1.2    2.5    2.5    3.5 (23)

Goals
Fremantle: Tighe 2; Franklin
West Coast Eagles: Bartlett, Bushby, Lewis

Best
Fremantle: Miller, Tighe, Sullivan, Bowers, O’Driscoll, East
West Coast Eagles: Lewis, Swanson, Lakay, Thomas, Smith, Western