WEST Coast captain Darren Glass says the Eagles and Sydney Swans have moved on from their epic modern rivalry as the two teams prepare for Sunday's top-of-the-table clash at Patersons Stadium.

In one of the AFL's most enthralling match-ups, the Eagles and Swans played six consecutive games between 2005 and 2007 - including the epic Grand Finals of 2005 and 2006 - that were decided by less than a goal.

However, the Swans have won the past five clashes between the clubs and the ladder-leaders were the last team to beat West Coast at Patersons Stadium, in round three last season. 

The Eagles' 18-game winning streak at home goes on the line this Sunday and Glass said notching an important win was the players' focus.
 
"We're excited to take Sydney on, they're a good side and we're looking forward to the challenge, but it doesn't feel like previous encounters," the captain said on Monday.

"I think the teams have moved on. The teams have changed a lot since the Grand Final days, but Sydney are still a very good football side.
 
"We know what they're going to bring, they get really good effort across the board and it's a really good test for us."
 
Glass said the Swans' coaching change from Paul Roos to John Longmire and the injection of young players at both clubs meant the rivalry had mellowed, but it was still something the teams' veterans could reflect on after Sunday's game.

"I thought they played the game in a great way and it felt like a real mutual respect between the two teams. It was a nice rivalry," he said.
 
"It was just knowing you're in for the fight.

"It does continue somewhat today, but it's not something you focus on a lot going into a game with them. It's more something you reflect on after."
 
Glass said the Swans played a "good contested" brand of football, similar to the style that won them the 2005 premiership.

The key defender, who is enjoying another fine season, said the Eagles would draw confidence from their ability to come from six goals behind to beat North Melbourne in Hobart last Saturday.

"To fight through that and to make adjustments through the game, I think that's a good trademark," he said. 

"I think this group always responds to challenges and clearly we were challenged on the weekend.

"Certainly late I the game, with the game there to be won, I feel like we've got a lot players who enjoy that contest and enjoy that moment."
 
The Eagles will assess half-back Beau Waters this week after he missed the two-point win over the Kangaroos with a knee complaint, while forward Quinten Lynch and midfielder Luke Shuey face bans after being cited by the Match Review Panel.

Defender Adam Selwood pushed his case for a recall after winning 34 possessions for East Perth in a best-on-ground WAFL performance.