The West Coast Eagles AFLW side took encouragement from contesting a difficult RAC Derby until the end, according to leader Courtney Guard. 

What started off as a strong contest ended with Fremantle outclassing the side 11.9 (75) to 1.2 (8).

Although the youthful Eagles outfit may have been lacking the experience shown by Fremantle, their sheer grit and determination were positives on a tough day.

Although midfielder Guard understands it was a tough challenge for a side only two years into the competition, it was another step in the team's growth and development.

“It’s always awesome to come out here and play with all of these people, all of our fans.” Guard said.

“I keep saying it, we’ve got a lot of promising football that we’re playing, high speed and open side.

“Freo are a good team and we have to respect that, we’ve also got to take the positives.

“We’ve got to keep playing for four quarters and that’s now our focus.”

Guard was also impressed with the strong and contested brand of football that the West Coast Eagles are so well-known for.

Irish products and sisters, Niamh and Grace Kelly, starred again in Sunday’s clash, with Niamh taking out the Crown Player of the Match.

She snapped up 17 disposals, while Grace wasn’t far behind with 15 touches and the only goal for the Eagles' side.

“We really pride ourselves on our fight and playing right until the end, so I was really impressed with Niamh and Grace, the Kelly sisters, joining together.” Guard said.

“They put a lot of pressure in our forward line and kept going.”

Fellow Irishwoman Aisling McCarthy also starred in the midfield with 22 disposals and three tackles.

Young gun Isabella Lewis was right behind her with 17 disposals and two tackles.

Ruck Parris Laurrie also put up a strong fight with 11 disposals and 14 hitouts.

“I think ‘Paz’ was really good to come back and help us out in defence.” Guard said.

“I’m really proud of all of the girls, the score line was hard to look at, but the fight until the end was really impressive.”