Despite the loss, skipper Emma Swanson had a season-best performance against Geelong on Friday night and set the precedent in the midfield for the entirety of the match.

No task was too hard for the captain, with Swanson’s resilience and effort in the contest commendable, finishing the game with a career-best 27 disposals, as well as 18 contested possessions, five marks and eight clearances.

The 26-year-old further impacted the match with nine hard ball gets, three tackles and six intercepts to prompt West Coast into a late boilover, which was unfortunately thwarted by Geelong in the closing minute of the game.

Swanson led the Eagles engine room, including Bella Lewis (17 disposals, seven tackles), Dana Hooker (16, eight), Charlie Thomas (13, one) and Mikayla Bowen (11, six, one goal) supremely across the match and once again proved she’s the right woman for the job as the best Eagle afield.