SPOTS are at a premium in West Coast's forward line, but Jake Waterman kept the pressure on after snaring another five goals as the Eagles' reserves bounced back from a debut loss to notch their first victory over Peel in Saturday's Western Derby curtain-raiser.
Meanwhile, Fremantle midfielders Tom North and Mitch Crowden, both overlooked after superstar Nat Fyfe was ruled out of the derby with concussion, continued to bang on the selection door with 28 and 26 possession performances respectively at Optus Stadium.
In a relatively even contest, Waterman was the difference, looking a cut above after also bagging five majors against Perth last round.
The 20-year-old's movement and overhead ability (nine marks) was a constant thorn in the Thunder defenders' sides.
But finding room for him in the AFL line-up will be difficult while emerging star Oscar Allen continues to produce alongside Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.
The Eagles fielded 17 AFL-listed players to Peel's 12 Dockers and boasted a more potent attack with Fraser McInnes (seven marks, one goal) having the better of his duel with Brennan Cox in the 11.11 (77) to 6.14 (50) triumph.
With Sean Darcy left out of the Dockers' line-up, the Thunder fielded three ruckmen and were forced to use Lloyd Meek (one goal) and Scott Jones as key forwards.
The inside 50 count (46-38) was only marginally in West Coast's favour, with Crowden and North keeping Peel's engine room ticking over.
Crowden, who racked up 32 touches last round, had 21 to half-time but faded after Matthew Allen kept a closer eye on him following the long break.
West Coast lacked chemistry in a disappointing loss to Perth in round one, but used the ball with more efficiency in a much-improved display.
Dockers draftees Luke Valente (19, six tackles), in his first senior WAFL game after groin issues, and Sam Sturt (17) both showed plenty of promise and were among Peel's sharper ball users, while wingman Brett Bewley (17) attacked the contest with vigour.
West Coast's midfield was powered by Jackson Nelson (27 disposals), Allen (25) and Brendon Ah Chee (24, one goal).
Out-of-favour premiership Eagle Daniel Venables struggled for the second-straight week, finding just 10 touches and failing to trouble the scorers.
Dropped Docker Bailey Banfield also battled to get into the game but was better late in an 18-possession display across half-forward.
There was concern late for the Eagles with Keegan Brooksby helped from the field by trainers and the No.1 ruckman had ice on the inside of his left knee at the final siren.
