"We need to turn some things around."

That was the message from West Coast coach Adam Simpson ahead of Thursday night's clash against the Sydney Swans.

The Eagles were defeated by Richmond in a genuine slugfest at the MCG last weekend, their first loss of the season.

Albeit in tough conditions Simpson's side rued some missed opportunities in the first and second quarters, kicking the last three on the eve of quarter-time before managing 3.7 in the second, to be eventually outlasted by 11 points in a tightly fought final term.

The visitors were beaten in the contested possession (159-134), tackle (76-67) and inside 50 (63-56) count.

That was on Saturday, meaning the Eagles have had a five-day break before having to back up which hasn't left much room for any micromanagement.

"Nothing," Simpson said, responding to a question of what the week involved.

"We had a captain's run (on Wednesday) and we've a a couple of meetings, not too many, to get a good grasp on what Sydney's trying to do and how they're playing."

According to the former Roo and John Longmire's premiership teammate the Sydney Swans are playing well enough to pose a considerable threat to their hopes of a 301 start to the season.

"They're definately not a 0-3 type of side, are they?" Simpson said.

"I think there will be two desperate sides looking for four points. The fact they haven't won a game yet will be concerning for Sydney, they're playing some really good football, you wouldn't say they won't win a game so it's coming.

"I'm anticipating a pretty fierce, competitive unit."

West Coast made two changes ahead of the clash with young midfielder Liam Duggan and veteran defender Sam Butler replacing former Swan Lewis Jetta and Mark Hutchings (both omitted) in the selected side.

Both Nathan Vardy and Jonathan Giles are in the final 22, meaning Callum Sinclair will be facing a huge night against his former side as the Swans' sole ruckman.