Daisy Pearce believes West Coast's continued improvement is starting to take shape despite Sunday's 37-point loss to Melbourne, with the Pearce encouraged by the Eagles' ability to challenge one of the AFLW's benchmark sides for long periods at Mineral Resources Park.
The Eagles made a bright start against the Demons, winning the ball at the source, applying strong tackle pressure and controlling territory to take a lead into quarter-time.
While the Eagles couldn't capitalise further on their early dominance, Pearce said the opening term showcased the brand of football the Eagles are striving to produce.
"We're really pleased with our ability to win the ball first, but then also our tackle pressure in that first quarter," Pearce said.
"That gave us good opportunities inside 50 and the way we got in and defended behind it to keep it there for big parts of the quarter was pleasing.”
A strong second quarter from Melbourne proved decisive, but Pearce was pleased with the way the Eagles fought their way back into the contest.
"I thought we wrestled it back and it was pretty even money in the last half," Pearce said.
"We'll come away from this game with big chunks of it that give us the belief that we can.
"I thought more in the second half, particularly that third quarter, we owned big parts of the game as well.”
Pearce saw positive signs in the way her side responded after Melbourne seized momentum, with consistency the next challenge.
"They're a quality side and it's a reminder that you have to sustain your intensity for four quarters," Pearce said.
"I thought we looked a bit hesitant in the second quarter, and they were able to get some really good uncontested chains, but I was pleased that we wrestled it back quicker than we have at times this season."
One of the most encouraging aspects of Sunday's performance was the development of West Coast's young midfield brigade against one of the competition's most experienced and accomplished on-ball groups.
"To see our midfield today go up against Kate Hore, Tyla Hanks and Olivia Purcell, I thought it showed great improvement," Pearce said.
"Ella Roberts had an outstanding game, but Lucia Painter's midfield craft is growing all the time.
"Abigail Bushby's improving, Bella Lewis we know is a competitor in there and leads really well, and then Mia Russo got a look in there in her third game."
While the Eagles are still searching for their first win of the season, Pearce said the mood within the playing group remains positive and focused on improvement rather than results.
"The goal remains the same, how do we get better," Pearce said.
"I can feel parts of our game growing and bits that need improvement, but at some stage if we keep working hard enough and stick together, it'll come together and the results will look after themselves."
