WEST Coast's meteoric rise under rookie coach Daisy Pearce has the Eagles dreaming big, and they're not running scared ahead of Sunday's litmus test at home to Brisbane.
The Eagles entered 2024 having never won more than two AFLW games in a season, and with no consecutive wins.
Pearce has already busted through both of those barriers after guiding the Eagles to three wins from the opening four games of the season.
More importantly, she has instilled a winning and fearless mentality among her group.
That's in stark contrast to previous seasons, when West Coast became accustomed to losing and often entered games against the best sides with trepidation
No dream is too big for West Coast this season – with a maiden finals berth in its sights.
"We haven't set a ceiling on our season," Pearce said on Friday.
"We put it out there at the start of the year that that's what we're here for – we want to win premierships, and part of that means you've got to make finals."
West Coast will start as rank outsider at Mineral Resources Park against a Lions side who have rediscovered their ruthless edge in recent weeks.
Brisbane started its premiership defence with a disappointing 44-point loss to North Melbourne.
Since then, the Lions have beaten Melbourne by 18 points, Collingwood by 52 and the Western Bulldogs by 47.
Pearce is embracing the challenge of tackling one of the AFLW's best teams.
"They've set the bar in terms of their pressure and defensive acts," Pearce said.
"Their ability to win field position and territory and play as a cohesive unit is what we really respect about the Lions, and they've been able to do that since day one of the competition.
"They've always kind of set the bar, and they're a team that we aspire to be like in our own way.
"What better opportunity than to test it against the best?"
Sunday's match will be West Coast's third in 11 days, with Pearce forced to carefully manage the squad.
The Eagles suffered a double injury blow during Tuesday's 17-point win over Collingwood.
Leading goalkicker Jess Hosking will miss three to four weeks with a quad strain, while emerging wing Jaide Britton has been ruled out against Brisbane with concussion.
Pearce said former Fremantle forward Roxy Roux, who broke her hand during the pre-season, would likely need another week before being cleared to return.
Eagles defender Belinda Smith, a fixture since the team's formation, will celebrate her 50-game milestone on Sunday.
