Daisy Pearce believes growing expectations around her side are a sign of progress, with the Eagles embracing the challenge of keeping their season alive against competition powerhouse Brisbane this weekend.

The Eagles are still searching for their first win of 2026, but Pearce said the mood among the playing group remains positive as the team continues to build on the signs shown in recent weeks against Adelaide and Melbourne.

"We're the youngest team in the competition. The fact that everyone believes in us and expects us to be doing better is a great thing,” Pearce said.

"We're just embracing it and doing our bit, which is trying to improve."

After identifying defensive improvements during the opening rounds, Pearce said the group has narrowed their focus and can feel tangible growth in key areas of their game.

"In the last couple of weeks, we've really been able to identify a couple of things that are helping us and the team can feel our improvement,” Pearce said.

"Our energy and the mindset of the group's really good. It's come in, go to work, improve on the things we need to get better at and stick together."

Pearce has been encouraged by the growth of West Coast's young midfield group, which has matched highly rated opposition in recent weeks at the stoppages.

The Eagles won the centre clearances against Melbourne and have continued to make strides around the contest, led by star midfielder Ella Roberts and an emerging supporting cast.

"I thought Lucia Painter’s midfield craft took a step forward on the weekend and again, against good opposition, she had an impact," Pearce said.

"Bella Lewis works hard all day and has had a good start to the season. Abby Bushby's also improving.

"I think the support's coming for Ella Roberts."

While pleased with the Eagles' stoppage work, Pearce said improving ball use and decision-making after winning possession remained a key focus.

"Our defensive system has improved in the last couple of weeks, but when we overuse the handball or make handball errors, it's really hard to defend those," Pearce said.

"We've done some work on our decision making about when to look to give handballs and when to just take the ball forward and back in our strong marking forwards."

Brisbane loom as another significant challenge, with the Lions set to welcome several experienced players back into their line-up.

"Brisbane game is built off their work rate and their pressure, so it's a big challenge," Pearce said.

"Another good test for our young midfield group, but I think they'll take confidence out of last week."