The West Coast Eagles AFLW side learned some valuable lessons from a powerhouse Fremantle outfit in a 67-point loss at Optus Stadium on Sunday.

After a heroic performance in the wet against the Dockers in round two, when they went down by just nine points at Fremantle Oval, the Eagles arrived for the rematch with hopes of pushing their more established crosstown rivals.

But a masterful performance by best on ground Gemma Houghton (five goals) and sidekick Sabreena Duffy (three) was telling as the premiership contenders claimed a 11.9 (75) to 1.2 (8) victory.

One of the most athletic talents in the AFLW competition, Houghton was in unstoppable form from the opening bounce, and did it all, marking on the lead and getting dangerous at ground level.

West Coast’s trademark of fighting until the end was evident yet again, and Daniel Pratt’s side was able to get hands on the ball around the contest (233-244 disposals).

However, Fremantle’s potency in attack was difficult to counter and there will be plenty to work on at training.

Kiara Bowers was awarded best on ground for her effort with 24 disposals and six tackles.

West Coast was keen to use the ball by hand in the opening half and use speed to take advantage of the wide open spaces.

A more direct style worked in the third term as Irish speedster Grace Kelly ensured the Eagles got on the scoreboard with a major.

Racing forward after her younger sister Niamh kicked the ball inside an open 50, Kelly received a handball from Demi Liddle and sprinted into goal to provide some cheer for the blue and gold fans in the crowd and watching at home.

But ultimately the weight of numbers told as Fremantle dominated inside 50s (37-20) and clearances (29-17).

After picking up a NAB AFLW Rising Star nomination Mikayla Bowen continued her strong form, with support from tireless skipper Emma Swanson, Aisling McCarthy and Isabella Lewis.

Niamh Kelly (17 disposals) continually looked dangerous when she found space, while returning defender Courtney Guard was solid in defence.

DETAILS

West Coast 0.1 0.1 1.1 1.2 (8)

Fremantle 2.2 5.5 10.6 11.9 (75)

Goals

West Coast G.Kelly

Fremantle Houghton 5, Duffy 3, Roux 2, Sullivan

Best

West Coast N.Kelly, G.Kelly, McCarthy, Bowen, Guard

Fremantle Houghton, Bowers, Duffy, Roux, Antonio, Strom