Daisy Pearce's arrival as West Coast coach has completely turned around the team's fortunes.
The Eagles had never won more than two games in a season before Pearce's arrival.
This year alone they've already snared four victories, and there's a chance for more with three rounds still remaining.
The impact of Pearce has been fondly dubbed the 'Daisy Effect', with players embracing her arrival.
Next on Pearce's agenda is ending Fremantle's western derby dominance.
Daisy Pearce gives instructions to her team during their round-four win over Collingwood. (Rob Prezioso/AAP PHOTOS)
The Dockers lead the ledger 6-0, and Freo are hot favourites to keep that winning run going in Saturday's clash at Leederville Oval.
"We can't go back and change the past," Pearce said.
"We're proud of the improvement this year, but so mindful of the ongoing improvement that we need to keep going after to make sure we compete against the best."
Pearce said the rivalry between Fremantle and West Coast reminded her of the battles with Adelaide during her decorated playing career with Melbourne.
The Crows won three flags - including a grand final victory over Melbourne in season six, 2022 - before the Demons finally broke through for a premiership in season seven.
"Through our journey, it took us a long time to crack them," Pearce said of the Crows.
"It was a bit of a hurdle to overcome, so I guess there's some similarities in that (with the derby).
"What I've always loved about the game is those big games and those big rivalries. We'll be pumped to be a part of that."
Saturday's derby looms as the most important one yet given both sides are in the finals hunt.
Despite suffering two losses on the trot, sixth-placed Fremantle (5-3) are still a chance to nab a top-four berth.
West Coast (4-4) have slipped to 10th following back-to-back losses, and must win to have a realistic chance of playing finals.
The Dockers lost star midfielder Kiara Bowers (pregnancy) and new captain Ange Stannett (ACL) before the season.
could you imagine though � — Fremantle Dockers AFLW (@freodockersAFLW) Webby dropping some fake @RACWA Derby news mid-presser 😅#foreverfreo pic.twitter.com/WJgqZfhm34October 16, 2024
They were dealt a further blow last month when star forward Ange Tighe suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
"It's been pretty impressive what they've been able to achieve given the significant injuries and outs they had at the start of the year," Pearce said.
"I mean to take Kiara Bowers and Ange Stannett out of their team and see them continue to turn up and compete, we admire that."
Another game this round that will play a big role in the make-up of the AFLW finals is Friday night's clash between Port Adelaide (4-4) and St Kilda (4-4) at Alberton Oval.
Second-placed Hawthorn (7-1) are expected to easily account for GWS in Frankston on Saturday, while Melbourne (4-4) will be aiming for their fourth straight win when they take on Richmond (6-2) at the MCG.
Sunday's matches are headlined by the clash between ladder leaders North Melbourne and seventh-placed Essendon.
The third-placed Brisbane Lions take on Geelong at GMHBA Stadium, while Adelaide face lowly Collingwood at Victoria Park.
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