The odds are heavily stacked against them, but West Coast coach Andrew McQualter insists his young side are more than capable of pulling off a boilover in Sunday's western derby against Fremantle.

Fremantle have won eight of the past nine derbies, the only blip coming in 2024 when a three-goal performance from Harley Reid lifted West Coast to a 37-point victory.

Remarkably, eight of West Coast's squad of 23 picked for Sunday's match haven't ever featured in a western derby.

It's a situation McQualter is embracing.

"We're absolutely rapt and excited to play in these games," he said.

"These are like finals, these derbies, so it's a great opportunity."

So can the Eagles spring a huge upset?

"Yeah for sure," McQualter declared.

"We think every week that we can beat every team.

"Freo are in good form, and they're sitting second on the ladder for a reason, so it's going to be a challenge, but one we're looking forward to."

Fremantle are being talked up as a premiership fancy after starting their season with a 4-1 record, including back-to-back nailbiting wins against the Crows and Magpies in Adelaide.

Just two weeks ago, West Coast copped a 128-point loss at home to Sydney, followed by a 46-point defeat against Geelong in Gather Round.

But Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir isn't about to be lulled into complacency, with West Coast's comeback wins over North Melbourne and Port Adelaide showcasing the threat the Eagles can pose on their day.

"They're a dangerous team when they get the game on their terms, and we've seen that plenty of times this year," Longmuir said.

"They've got some dangerous players all over the ground. That tall forward line is dangerous because not many backlines have four tall backs.

"They've had two good wins, both at home, so we prepare for them at their best. We're not taking this one lightly."

Fremantle have handed a club debut to former Collingwood ruckman Mason Cox after Sean Darcy was cut down by concussion, while Hayden Young (hamstring) and Michael Frederick (ankle) have been given the green light to return.

West Coast have lost Deven Robertson (ACL) for the rest of the season and Jack Graham (shoulder surgery) for about two months.

But the return of Elliot Yeo (adductor) is a huge boost to their midfield stocks, while livewire Milan Murdock is also back after overcoming a hamstring injury.

West Coast opted against recalling Matt Flynn, meaning the more athletic Bailey Williams will have to shoulder the bulk of the ruck load against Cox and Luke Jackson.