West Coast young gun Tyrell Dewar was a standout performer in his team's gallant 19-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba on Sunday.

Playing in just his ninth AFL game, the 20-year-old was arguably the most impactful player on the ground during a blistering first half, as the Eagles took it up to last season's premiers.

Dewar set the tone early, collecting nine disposals and booting two goals in the opening term as West Coast stunned the heavily favoured Lions, racing to a four-goal lead at both quarter-time and half-time.

Brisbane eventually wrestled back control, outscoring the Eagles ten goals to three after the main break to secure a 14.10 (94) to 11.9 (75) victory.

Despite the final result, Dewar was a shining light, finishing with 20 disposals, two goals, and 591 metres gained—the second-highest tally on the ground.

The Yamatji and Wongi speedster told the Eagles' media team post-match that he was growing in confidence at the elite level.

"I was lucky enough to get onto a few," Dewar said.

"It's my third year, and I am a lot more confident than I was in my first year.

"I am really looking forward to what the future can hold for me."

Dewar was also pleased with his team's response to their 87-point loss to Gold Coast in Round 1.

"Obviously it was a tough loss last week, but we got to work during the week and came into the game really positive and just stuck at it," he said.

"It was a good game, I reckon we just worked on what we've been working on during the week.

"(The) main focus was to contest (and) pressure – I thought the boys fought really hard in there, and it was good."

Originally from Kalgoorlie, Dewar made his AFL debut last year in Round 10 against Collingwood, going on to play seven games for the season.

Eagles coach Andrew McQualter was full of praise for the young talent, highlighting his resilience and versatility.

"I actually challenged him a bit this pre-season because I've moved him from half-forward to the wing to half-back, and that's not easy for a young player," McQualter said after the match.

"But we only did it because we wanted to get him in the team – we were trying to find a spot for him because we think he's got some real upside.

"(We were) really pleased with his performance today, he showed some great signs, and he's only going to get better.

"He's a young kid, and he's got some real traits, Tyrell."

His Eagles teammate Tim Kelly also bounced back strongly after a disappointing Round 1 outing.

The Noongar, Wongi, and Yamatji midfielder was instrumental with 29 disposals and six clearances, standing out as one of West Coast's best on the day.

McQualter acknowledged Kelly's determination to respond after copping criticism for his performance against the Suns.

"Tim's really experienced, he was disappointed with his performance last week, he's a proud man, a proud footballer," McQualter said.

"It's funny, we review the game strongly and he was part of the midfield group last week that didn't get it done.

"During that review, I could see the steely resolve in his eyes – that was real – so I knew on Tuesday that he would bounce back.

"He's a very good player, and I think that's the level we can expect of Tim."

Yamatji man Liam Ryan was another positive for the Eagles, posting 16 disposals and three goals in his first game of 2025.