THE SYDNEY Swans engine room is the best in the competition, says West Coast midfielder Matt Priddis.
Priddis was in awe of the Swans' display last Sunday as Dan Hannebery, Josh Kennedy and Kieren Jack racked up 99 disposals and five goals between them in the Swans 34-point win at Patersons Stadium.
"I think offensively and defensively they set the benchmark at the moment," Priddis told AFL.com.au.
"They're a real strong-bodied side. So they're good at the contest but their offensive spread once they've won the ball is the best in the competition."
The loss to the Swans was West Coast's fourth in a brutal stretch of five matches.
The Eagles have been competitive in four losses against Hawthorn, Essendon, Fremantle and the Swans but Priddis believes the side has not been good for long enough in those matches.
"We've shown the last couple of weeks we can match it for three quarters we're just not good enough to do it for four quarters at the moment," Priddis said.
Injuries continue to plague the Eagles. Already without Shannon Hurn, Daniel Kerr and Beau Waters, as well as Andrew Embley and Patrick McGinnity due to suspension, West Coast has lost Darren Glass, Mark LeCras, Nic Naitanui and Luke Shuey for its clash with the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.
Priddis believes it is virtually impossible to compete at AFL level if players are not fully fit.
"We've seen many times this year that you need to be at 100 per cent to play AFL footy," Priddis said.
"If you go in 90 per cent you're going to be exposed."
The 28-year-old has been one of the few constants this year for West Coast.
His form in the past five weeks belies his ranking of 47 on the Official AFL Player ratings. Priddis has averaged 30 disposals and eight clearances across the past five matches opposing some of the best midfielders in the competition.
Priddis has twice finished runner-up in the Eagles best and fairest but could well go one better this season.
"I think I've been able to play some consistent footy, and I'm really enjoying playing my footy," Priddis said.
"I've been playing in this midfield for quite a long time now so I try to take on a little bit of a leadership role in there.
"So guys like Scotty Selwood and Luke Shuey play beyond their years and I'm really enjoying playing with those guys and obviously Coxy is the real leader in there and just a great competitor."
