WEST Coast has won three matches on the bounce, but coach Adam Simpson knows side will have to step up a notch ahead of next week's massive clash against Collingwood.

The Eagles backed up wins over Sydney and Adelaide with a comprehensive 30-point triumph over Fremantle to move into the top eight with a 4-3 win-loss record.

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While pleased with the victory, Simpson was mindful of upcoming matches against the competition heavyweights.  

"Whether we're back on track or we're in a space that's going to compete with teams like Collingwood and Geelong we'll find out," Simpson said post-match.

"The next two or three weeks are really going to define everyone's season.

"We'll probably have to step up another level to knock off the Pies next week."

Skipper Luke Shuey is certain to return from his hamstring injury next week after the Eagles erred on the side of caution in withdrawing him before the Derby.

"He (Shuey) put his hand up to play, we gave him a really good fitness test yesterday but overnight we decided just to take caution and give him an extra week to recover," Simpson said.

"He'll play next week for sure."

The injury-plagued Dockers are also set for a boost against the Cats next week with Sam Sturt and Reece Conca likely to put their hands up, but there's some minor concerns for defender Taylin Duman.

"It looks like he's (Duman) sprained his thumb. He got it strapped up and went back on so we're hoping he's going to be OK," Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir said.

The eight-day break between games should benefit a couple of Dockers, but Jesse Hogan is still two weeks away with a calf injury.

The disappointment of a 10th-straight Derby loss for Fremantle was slightly offset by the promising debut of wingman Michael Frederick.

"He (Frederick) looked good when he had the ball in his hands and clearly he's got some attributes that are going to hold him in good stead at AFL level with his speed and ball use," Longmuir said.