The West Coast Eagles hosted cross-town rivals Fremantle Dockers under Friday night lights at Mineral Resources Park for a pre-season match simulation training session, with the visitors putting on an impressive display.

After an extended pre-season period for the Eagles, it was the first opportunity for the team to face an opposition, and the first time a number of players got to pull on the blue and gold with their new teammates.

Lauren Wakfer and Aine Tighe battled it out in the ruck

Sasha Goranova successfully completed her first hit-out since returning from an ACL injury that she sustained last season, while Octavia Di Donato also suited up, just days after the 20-year-old was announced as a replacement player and moved across the country.

West Coast started the match simulation with some nice intensity around the ground, with good defensive efforts from Evie Gooch and Charlie Thomas, and some clean hands from Ella Roberts.

Ella Roberts

Even though the ball spent majority of the time inside Fremantle’s forward half, West Coast produced crucial second and third efforts around the contest on a number of occasions.

As is custom in a western derby, the contest was physical and fierce, neither side shying away from a bit of push and shove around the ground.

While Fremantle were dominant on the scoreboard, the Eagles’ first goal came early in the third quarter, Mikayla Western slotting a set shot to open West Coast’s account.

Mikayla Western

The Dockers responded quickly, their composure and accuracy under pressure and strong contested marks proved difficult for the Eagles to compete with.

West Coast’s second and final goal came from Abbygail Bushby in the last term, and while the Eagles elevated to another level in the second half, they were unable to reduce the margin in any significant way before the final siren.

Abbygail Bushby kicks for goal

Lauren Wakfer stood tall in the ruck and was imposing around the contest when the ball went to ground, while Roxy Roux and Georgie Cleaver both impressed in multiple different roles.

Head coach Daisy Pearce and the team will take plenty of learnings out of the hit-out, and will look to make some adjustments ahead of next Friday’s practice match with St Kilda at Mineral Resources Park.

West Coast    0.0   0.1   1.1   2.3 (15)
Fremantle      3.4   4.8   8.8   10.11 (71)