West Coast co-captain Liam Duggan says the Eagles are determined to bounce back from last Friday's Western Derby loss when they face Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.

The Eagles matched ladder-leading Fremantle for the first half before the Dockers pulled away after the main break, but Duggan believes there were still encouraging signs from the performance.

Looking ahead to Richmond, Duggan said the focus was on playing four strong quarters.

The Tigers have won the past three meetings between the sides, including a two-point heartbreaker at the ‘G last year.

"They've had the wood over us recently. It's definitely a team that we'd love to go over and beat," Duggan said.

"But more to the point, it's probably getting back to playing our way for four quarters.

"If we're able to do that for a large portion of the game this week, we feel we'll be in a great position to get the result."

Despite the challenges of recent years, Duggan said confidence within the playing group continued to grow as the club's younger players gained experience.

The Eagles have pushed top four contenders Brisbane and Adelaide since the bye without getting the scalp coach Andrew McQualter’s team is chasing.

"It does feel a little bit different," Duggan said.

"Our belief and our confidence have grown.

"Our second, third and fourth-year players who have a bit more experience under their belt, I feel like they've really propelled us forward.

"I feel confident going into every game now that we can match it with the best."

Duggan also praised emerging ruck forward Cooper Duff-Tytler following a strong WAFL performance last weekend.

Duff-Tytler kicked four goals from 18 disposals in the victory over West Perth in Joondalup to push his case for a recall.

"I think he's going to be a pretty special player," Duggan said.

"He's a hard worker, he listens, asks plenty of questions and he's got a lot of talent, so I think he's made of the right stuff."

Duggan said the Eagles were building strong foundations for the future, with growing trust and cohesion within the group helping drive the club's progress.

"The more time that we spend together, basically, I think the better we're going to be," Duggan said.

"There's a lot of trust being built amongst this group and it's a really fun environment to be a part of.

"I think we're moving in the right direction well and truly."