Many in Perth are still clinging to the great rivalry between these two sides but in reality the Swans have had West Coast's measure over the past three years. However, the Eagles have challenged three of the top five teams in the competition in the last month without a win and their form is better than their ladder position suggests. The Swans are coming off a very soft kill against GWS and will need to be wary of the intensity that West Coast will bring. The Swans have more top-end talent according to the Official AFL Player Ratings. They have four players in the top 20 while Nic Naitanui is the lone Eagle among the AFL's elite.
WHERE AND WHEN: Patersons Stadium, Sunday July 21, 2.40pm
TV AND RADIO: Click here for broadcast guide
PAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2012, Sydney 18.13 (121) d West Coast 10.9 (69) at Patersons Stadium
R3, 2011, Sydney 15.11 (101) d West Coast 13.10 (88) at Patersons Stadium
R5, 2010, Sydney 17.13 (115) d West Coast 9.9 (63) at the SCG
R8, 2009, Sydney 16.10 (106) d West Coast 15.11 (101) at ANZ Stadium
R11, 2008, Sydney 12.11 (83) d West Coast 11.12 (78) at Patersons Stadium
THE SIX POINTS
1. The Swans have won their past six matches against West Coast. The Eagles last win was in round 16, 2007.
2. The two sides have met 19 times at Patersons Stadium and West Coast leads the head to head, 12 games to seven.
3. The Swans have won four of their past five at Patersons Stadium, including their past three.
4. The Swans are the No.1 clearance team in the competition while the Eagles are ranked third.
5. The Swans and the Eagles are the top two sides for hit-outs in the AFL this season. The Swans average 49 hit outs per game, West Coast average 48.3.
6. The ruck duel is an intriguing one. The Swans are the No.1 hit-out team, followed closely by the Eagles at No.2, but West Coast has two higher-rated ruckmen on the Official AFL Player Ratings. Nic Naitanui is the top-ranked ruckman, Dean Cox is ranked seventh. Meanwhile, Shane Mumford is ranked ninth and Mike Pyke is at No.17.
