PATERSONS Stadium has caused plenty of teams nightmares over the years, but it's fast turning into an unlikely graveyard for West Coast.

The Eagles won 23 of a possible 26 games at their home venue from 2011-12, with only the Dockers and Swans able to break their hold.

But this season, West Coast has won just two of eight in Perth, with one of those triumphs coming after the final siren when Nic Naitanui plucked a mark from the heavens and then kept his cool to slot the winning goal against North Melbourne.

Given the woeful record on their home track, it's not surprising to see the Eagles battling to stay in finals contention ahead of Sunday's clash with the Sydney Swans in Perth.

Unfortunately for the Eagles, history will be on the visiting team's side this weekend, with the defending premiers having won their past three clashes in Perth, and their past six overall against West Coast.

The last time West Coast tasted victory against its arch rival - in 2007 - Ben Cousins starred with 38 possessions in his first game back after completing a rehab stint, while Ash Hansen and Brent Staker combined for seven goals.

Just five of the Eagles who featured in that match will be present on Sunday - Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Mark LeCras, Matt Priddis and Matt Rosa.

Despite West Coast's struggles at home this season, Swans coach John Longmire is adamant a trip to Perth remains a daunting prospect for his team.

"It's probably one of the biggest challenges - if not the biggest challenge - in footy," Longmire said.

"If you look into their home form on just wins-losses, it can be a bit deceiving.

"If you look a bit deeper than that, some of their performances have been strong.

"It's just been periods of the game that they've dropped off and been beaten."

West Coast has yet to beat a side currently sitting in the top eight.

But with star midfielders Luke Shuey and Sharrod Wellingham back in their ranks this week, the Eagles will fancy their chances of causing an upset.

"Last week, they had 60 tackles before half-time," Longmire said of West Coast, who started the year as second favourite for the premiership, behind only Hawthorn.

"They are No.2 in the competition for tackling.

"They've got a real thirst, appetite, for their defensive pressure.

"When you've got a team that's playing like that with talent, it makes them hard to beat."