A fighting performance against reigning premiers Brisbane has given West Coast coach Andrew McQualter “belief” his side can compete this season, starting in his maiden western derby blockbuster this weekend.

The Eagles entered Sunday’s clash at the Gabba, the rankest of underdogs after their pants were pulled down in an 87-point pummeling to Gold Coast at Optus Stadium to open their campaign.

But McQualter’s charges showed much-needed heart and fight against the Lions, kicking the game’s first five goals and leading for more than 97 minutes before succumbing to a 19-point defeat in sapping conditions.

McQualter, while disappointed by the final result, acknowledged his side had shown improvements.

“It was certainly a much-improved performance than round one,” he told 7NEWS.

“The first half, in particular, was the type of footy we wanted to play, so it was pleasing to see, but unfortunately, we just couldn’t keep up the flow for the four quarters.

“It just gives us a little bit of belief in what we’re trying to go after. That becomes really important for the players. There are some things in our game that we got to work on after round one, and we saw some improvements in those areas.”

The Eagles now turn to the derby, with themselves and Fremantle occupying the bottom two spots on the table.

McQualter will be hopeful West Coast can lay another spectacular ambush, as they did in their home derby in round six last season.

The Eagles stunned the Dockers in a blistering nine-goal-to-three first half, leaving fans in raptures after conquering Fremantle by 37 points; teen sensation Harley Reid throwing his name up in lights with three goals and 19 disposals.

“I can’t wait. It’s going to be a great game; both teams are in the same position at the moment,” McQualter said.

“The reality is they’re so good around the ball. So, we’re going to have to match them in that space again. I know their mids are really competitive contested ball players, so that’s where the game’s going to be won and lost.”

He will also be hoping his youngsters can rise to the occasion as Naitanui Academy graduate Tyrell Dewar did against the Lions.

The 21-year-old sparked the Eagles’ five-goal run to open the contest, booting two first-quarter majors before going on to collect a career-high 20 disposals and seven marks.

“Yeah, (Tyrell) was terrific. His first quarter was outstanding,” McQualter said.

“We knew all pre-season we were really keen to get him in the team somewhere. We’ve moved him around a little bit, but he’s got some high-level ability, which is great.”

Former Tiger Jack Graham is a good chance to play his first western derby after being a late withdrawal from the Brisbane game with a hip complaint, while McQualter said star goalkicker Jake Waterman was a “work in progress” with a back and calf issue.

Ruckman Bailey Williams, who was subbed out against the Lions due to cramp, is expected to be fit to take on Luke Jackson and the Dockers.