We take a look at some of the hot topics surrounding Sunday afternoon's clash against West Coast at Domain Stadium.

Bouncing back

There’s no use shying away from the fact the Swans were embarrassed by Hawthorn on Saturday night and need to bounce back in a big way against West Coast to, (a) hang on to a top four spot and (b) convince supporters they’re serious contenders.

Last weekend’s loss was the worst since John Longmire took over as senior coach and even beyond with critics searching 17 years of football to find a worse result – that was 101 points against St. Kilda in 1998 for the record.

As sydneyswans.com.au pointed out on Tuesday, the Swans are proven in turning around nasty results quickly and a solid recent record against West Coast bodes well.

It will take huge resolve and everything to fall into place with the Eagles flying at the minute.

Effort v execution

Statistically, Longmire’s men essentially squared the ledger against Hawthorn in regards to key indicators but execution was extremely poor where the Hawks couldn’t put a foot wrong.

The Swans had more of the footy (398-381 disposals), won the stoppages (38-36 clearances), won more contested ball (148-132) and laid more tackles (71-65) but proved inferior from pretty much the opening bounce.

What that says is there was effort and intent but the Swans failed to hit Hawthorn where it hurts most – the scoreboard- as seen in the wayward 7.15 score line and the fact the Swans had one more inside 50s but nine less scoring shots and seven less marks within scoring distance.

Longmire laid down the challenge earlier in the week, only time will tell whether the players will right the wrongs and “play how we want to play”.

Who goes to Josh Kennedy? The other Josh Kennedy…

Ted Richards’ suspension couldn’t have come at a worse time for a defensive half who is about to face the second most potent forward line in the competition spearheaded by Coleman Medal favourite Josh Kennedy.

Kennedy has booted 53 goals at an average of 3.5 snags a game and leads the competition’s goal-kicking tally by more than 10 from his nearest rival.

The 194cm 99kg spearhead also tops the league for marks inside 50 which poses a serious threat in the absence of a key backman in Richards, who ironically usually mans the bearded Eagle when the two sides square off.

Heath Grundy and Sam Reid are the logical choices to stand next to Kennedy at the opening bounce while, according to premiership defender Nick Smith, it’ll then take a collective effort to limit his impact.

Saying that, pay too much attention to Kennedy and teams run the risk of allowing the likes of Mark LeCras (29 goals), Brad Hill or Jamie Cripps (25 goals each) to slip under the radar.

Selection

Mike Pyke and Jeremy Laidler are expected to be available which are timely inclusions given Richards and Tippett’s absences.

But the question remains - to Heeney or not to Heeney?

On the wide expanses of Domain Stadium, Heeney’s pace and forward half pressure would come in handy but is the first-year recruit ready?

Form in the NEAFL suggests an overwhelming yes in light of two strong performances since returning from a knee injury and only the man himself will know whether the knee is ready for the rigors of AFL football again.

Does the Swans’ Match Committee opt with a Dan Robinson or Dean Towers, or do they bite the bullet and recall Heeney for his first game since Round 6? We’re eagerly awaiting the final call.

Journeymen

The Swans have won the past eight encounters against West Coast by an average margin of 30 points – the past four have played out at Domain Stadium.

It proves the Swans don’t mind the journey west and will take plenty away from their last trip to Perth – in Round 4 – despite returning home with a 14-point loss.

The defeat to the once undefeated Dockers is the only loss away from home in 2015 having won six out of seven interstate clashes.

Both recent results and interstate record bodes well, now it’s over to the players to put theory into practice.