Swans v Eagles preview
The Sydney Swans fly west to take on the West Coast Eagles in a mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash on Sunday...
WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Sunday July 15, 2.40pm
LAST TIME: West Coast 13.10 (88) lost to Sydney Swans 15.11 (101), round three, 2011, at Patersons Stadium
TV and RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
MATCH DAY INFORMATION: Click here for all of Sunday's match information
West Coast's 18-game winning streak at Patersons Stadium goes on the line on Sunday against the last team to beat it on its home turf. The Eagles and Swans have played some epic matches - including the 2005 and 2006 Grand Finals - in a rich rivalry. With the two clubs equal on points atop the ladder, another thrilling clash beckons.
THE FOUR POINTS
SYDNEY SWANS
1. The ruck battle will be crucial between two teams in exceptional form. Cox and Naitanui's abilities are well known, but the Swans' Shane Mumford and Mike Pyke have also been impressive of late. Mumford is nearing full fitness five games after returning from a back problem, while Canadian Pyke is showing an improved understanding of the game.
2. The Swans have an excellent recent record against their old foes, winning their past five games against the Eagles, including two in Perth. Their last defeat was a two-goal loss in round 16, 2007, so they should take plenty of confidence into their trip west.
3. Sam Reid kicked a career-best six goals against the Brisbane Lions last weekend, taking his tally to 16 goals from his past six weeks. With Goodes kicking three and showing good touch against the Lions, they loom as a dangerous duo for the Eagles backline.
4. Is Luke Parker ready to slot back into the Swans' in-form midfield? The tough youngster returned from a shoulder injury and was one of the best players in the reserves last week. Coach John Longmire is a huge admirer of the 20-year-old and may try to find him a place in the line-up this week.
WEST COAST
1. With in-form defender Beau Waters (knee) hit with injury, and key players Luke Shuey and Quinten Lynch to miss through suspension, the Eagles will again have to call on their depth. Fortunately, Adam Selwood is ready to return from an arm infection, slotting into the team as a replacement for Waters. Fringe midfielder Tom Swift, who has played three games this season and his past two as the substitute, could also earn another opportunity.
2. Champion Swan Adam Goodes was the man responsible for the Eagles' last loss at Patersons Stadium, in round three last season. The dual Brownlow medallist turned in a brilliant final quarter to orchestrate a come-from-behind win for the Swans. Will Schofield shapes as a player who could man Goodes in the forward line but also push up the ground with him.
3. Dean Cox's final quarter against the Kangaroos was enormous and the Eagles might need a similar effort from the champion ruckman to get over the Swans. With a depleted forward line, the Eagles rely on Cox to hit the scoreboard, and his third goal last week was the match-winner. Amidst the hype around protégé Nic Naitanui, Adelaide's Sam Jacobs and Richmond's Ivan Maric, Cox is providing a timely reminder that he remains the game's dominant ruckman.
4. With Lynch unsuccessful in his Tribunal appeal, Jack Darling will be the Eagles' No. 1 key forward against the Swans. The 20-year-old doesn't appear daunted by big moments or the extra responsibility that he will likely carry into this match. Two goals and just one mark was a modest return for the powerful youngster against North Melbourne in one of his quieter games last week.
The views in this article are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs