The West Coast Eagles will be encouraged by recent performances when they take on the Fremantle Dockers on Friday night at Optus Stadium.

The Eagles fell to reigning premiers Brisbane by 24 points last round in a competitive display, and defender Brady Hough said the team will take that momentum into Derby No.63.

“We’re going in for the win, for sure,” Hough said.

“We’ve spoken about getting wins at the back end of the year and building some momentum, obviously we’re not going to make finals but the goal each week is to go in and get a win.

“Freo are a great side, but we showed last week that we can match it with some pretty good teams, and we’ll be going in there to get the win and that’s what we’re planning to do.”

Friday’s battle is a Fremantle home game, with the Eagles set to play in front of a potential 50,000 rival fans, but Hough said the team will feed off the atmosphere.

“It’s different, but it’s obviously our home deck as well so we know how to play it and we love getting out there,” Hough said.

“Hopefully some Eagles fans can turn out, that would be nice, but we will embrace that challenge. The crowd will be loud and hopefully we can feed off that.”

West Coast have continued to show promising signs in recent weeks, and while unable to secure a win, they produced heartening performances against the Bulldogs in round 18, falling by just 16 points, and again against the Lions on Saturday night.

“Disappointing, but we put ourselves in a position to win the game,” Hough said about the Lions loss.

“Obviously they are the reigning Premiers and a really good side, so I’m proud of the boys for taking it up to them, but disappointed (with the result) in the end.

“We’re trying to get as many wins as we can on the way home and we had an opportunity there, but unfortunately couldn’t get over the line.

“A lot of positives to take out of the game, and a lot of things we still need to work on with connection and things like that, but overall, we were pretty pleased, but disappointed as well.”

Fremantle have been tough to match in the ruck this season with the likes of Luke Jackson, Sean Darcy and Mason Cox in rotation, but Hough has faith that Eagles ruck Bailey Williams can hold his own in the role.

Williams has played a pivotal role for West Coast this season, showcasing his impressive leap, athleticism, and marking ability, and his capability to impact around the ground.

“They (Fremantle) have the two rucks playing and it will be a massive challenge for him (Williams), but we have full faith in him,” Hough said.

“He’s been playing awesome footy for us, and we trust him to get the job done in there and give our mids good looks.

“He’s been playing great footy and there’s no reason that would stop this week.”