SUPERSTAR Fremantle skipper Nat Fyfe isn't just back to his 2015 Brownlow Medal-winning best, he's better.

That's West Coast coach Adam Simpson's assessment ahead of the most-anticipated Western Derby in recent years at Optus Stadium this Sunday.

With three best-on-ground performances already this season, Fyfe has been in unstoppable form, and looms as a major headache for the Eagles coming off a career-high 43 disposals and 13 clearances against the Western Bulldogs last weekend.

"He's probably slightly in front of that (Brownlow) form, to be honest, the way he's playing … and getting between contests is something that I've noticed has elevated," Simpson said.

"He's in really good touch. With (Aaron) Sandilands back in really good form as well, that combination is one of the strongest in the comp.

"That's definitely something we've got to be aware of. There's no third (man) up, but we've got Nic (Naitanui) back and Scott Lycett, so that's going to be a pretty interesting battle.

"The midfield battle, we really admire what Fremantle have brought with the strength of their midfield."

Simpson expected big-bodied utility Elliot Yeo would "cross paths" with Fyfe during the derby, potentially reprising his close-checking role at stoppages from last season.

"Yeoy's probably our biggest and strongest midfielder, and if you are going to match-up on Fyfe, you're probably going to have to have a pretty big physical presence," Simpson said.

"As much as you can bring anyway."

Simpson was tight-lipped about Eagles battling soreness, after a radio report suggested Yeo, Dom Sheed, Luke Shuey (toe) and spearhead Josh Kennedy were in doubt for Sunday's clash.

But the coach expected Shuey to be available, declared Kennedy had trained fully this week and confirmed Lewis Jetta would return after battling general soreness.

Speedster Jack Petruccelle, who booted four goals for East Perth last Saturday, will debut as the Eagles seek to address a glaring lack of leg-speed from their dour 10-point win over Carlton.

"That brings energy to our group, he'll be our fifth debutant this year," Simpson said of Petruccelle.

"We've tried really hard to get some youth through our side, especially in the front half, and he complements what we're looking for.

"It's probably not a big bank of form for Jack, but we think he'll provide us with some exciting speed and good pressure."

Simpson accepted playing in front of a full house crammed with Dockers fans would be a "real eye-opener" for Petruccelle, but wasn't shying-away from playing youngsters on a marquee occasion for WA football.

The build-up to the 47th derby has been especially spicy after the Dockers controversially threatened to scrap the Ross Glendinning Medal.

Simpson was pleased a compromise has been reached, with the medal to be presented to the best afield on Sunday before a former Freo player's name is added for the round 20 clash.

The West Coast coach wasn't overly fussed if the AFL Commission voted to move the Grand Final start time to a twilight bouncedown, but believed it could add to the spectacle.  

An announcement is expected on Friday afternoon.