West Coast AFLW coach Daisy Pearce has taken plenty of positives from her side's season opener despite the Eagles falling 12 points short against GWS at ENGIE Stadium on Sunday.
The Eagles matched the Giants for much of the contest and finished with more inside 50s but were unable to make the most of their opportunities in a hard-fought defeat.
Pearce praised her side's competitiveness and resilience, particularly their response in the final quarter, kicking three goals to stay in the fight until the final siren.
"Credit to the Giants. They were fierce around the contest and made it a real challenge and then they work really hard offensively," Pearce said.
"I thought their quality of passages and entries were probably the difference, the way they were able to link up and score.
"I was proud of the way we competed. For our team to just keep coming and find a way to kick three in that last quarter, the way they went about it is the team we want to be."
The Eagles generated plenty of forward-half pressure throughout the afternoon and repeatedly forced turnovers in dangerous areas, finishing with a plus-15 advantage in inside 50s.
Pearce said converting those opportunities into scores would be a key focus when the group reviews the match.
"We went plus-15 inside 50s because of how we were able to lock it in there," Pearce said.
"Being able to finish our work and make sure our entries are dangerous, that's probably the big thing we'll have a good look at in review and go to work on.
"We'll walk away disappointed, but there's plenty to work with."
Pearce highlighted several young players who impressed in their season debuts or new roles across the ground.
"I thought a few players came in and really played their role,” Pearce said.
"Charlotte Riggs for her first full game as our number one ruck was really good.
“Zoe Wakfer down back with a big task was outstanding."
Pearce said the performance reinforced the promise of West Coast's emerging young core, led by co-captain Bella Lewis, who starred with 28 disposals in another influential display.
"I think we're still the youngest team in the competition," Pearce said.
"Led by Bella Lewis, who was outstanding today, played a variety of roles and I think she went career-high for the amount of ball she could get.
"Charlie Thomas is the same. Abby Bushby had some good moments today, so we're excited about where they're heading."
The Eagles will return home next week to face Gold Coast, with Pearce confident there is significant growth still to come from a youthful group eager to make their mark in season 2026.
"The good thing about them is they're impatient and they want to be there now," Pearce said.
"We'll just keep working with them and look forward to next week against the Gold Coast."
