FREMANTLE coach Michelle Cowan says her side needs more leaders to emerge in its remaining three NAB AFL Women's competition matches.

The Dockers were eliminated from premiership contention when they lost to Adelaide at Fremantle Oval last Sunday. After four matches in the seven-week competition, Fremantle is second-last on the ladder on percentage, with only a draw to show for its efforts.

Cowan was full of praise for captain and marquee player Kara Donnellan, who has been in the Dockers' best in every match, but stressed the need for more players to contribute.

"She's an incredible leader …[but]… we certainly need more girls to stand up and [fewer] passengers," Cowan said.

The Dockers, who take on Collingwood at Rushton Park on Saturday, were widely predicted to be one of the stronger teams in the inaugural AFLW season, with some observers considering them a flag chance.

While acknowledging her disappointment at Fremantle's start, Cowan said she never entertained the thought of premiership favouritism.

She also said the competition had been draining on some of her players.

"I never bought into any of that [premiership favouritism]," Cowan said.

"I don't know where those measurements come from anyway because [those conversations] weren't within our four walls.

"Clearly we are disappointed at where we sit at the moment. We thought we would be more competitive."

As well as looking for leadership, Cowan said the club would focus on addressing deficiencies in skill and work rate.

"We'll …work on our below-the-knees stuff," Cowan said.

"We'll work on our two-way running – we'll continue to coach and educate that. It's been a focus for us all along."