SYDNEY has feasted out on a weakened West Coast on Friday night, putting the contest beyond doubt early on the way to a strong 18.13 (121) to 9.4 (58) win.

After a rousing victory against Collingwood on the road last round the Eagles would have entered the Optus Stadium clash with confidence, but that was as good as gone midway through the second quarter as they sat scoreless and 56 points in arrears. 

EAGLES v SWANS Full match coverage and stats

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Luke Parker of the Swans is chased down by Tim Kelly of the Eagles during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium on April 15, 2022 In Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

The margin was reduced as the match progressed and West Coast played for pride, but the effort couldn't be sustained. Even five goals in the final term was short of Sydney's seven.

The Swans kicked the first eight goals before West Coast had even scored, led by Callum Mills (28 disposals and six clearances) and Luke Parker (26 disposals and two goals) along with their young brigade as they won 18.13 (121) to 9.4 (58).

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Josh J. Kennedy of the Eagles celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium on April 15, 2022 In Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

Sydney dominated all the key statistics as it opened up a 58-point half-time lead, including 20-2 scoring shots and 39-10 inside 50s. The latter was the largest half-time inside 50 differential (+29) in the AFL since 2018. The Swans finished with a lopsided 65-29 inside-50 count as well as 384 to 313 disposals.

Young key forwards Hayden McLean and Logan McDonald were strong in Lance Franklin's absence, especially early as the Swans stamped their authority on the contest. Former skipper Josh Kennedy was a surprise medical substitute.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Luke Parker of the Swans is chased down by Tim Kelly of the Eagles during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium on April 15, 2022 In Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)

The inclusion of Luke Shuey, Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo in West Coast's midfield looked to be a big positive pre-match, but it may take time for the engine room to start firing on all cylinders again, something made all the more difficult with Nic Naitanui missing for the next three months.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 15: Callum Mills of the Swans is tackled by Elliot Yeo of the Eagles during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the West Coast Eagles and the Sydney Swans at Optus Stadium on April 15, 2022 In Perth, Australia. (Photo by Will Russell/AFL Photos)

WEST COAST     0.0       2.0        4.3         9.4 (58)
SYDNEY             5.4     10.10     11.12     18.13 (121)

GOALS 
West Coast: Ryan 3, Kennedy 2, Redden, B.Williams, Darling, Cripps
Sydney: Heeney 3, McLean 2, McDonald 2, Hayward 2, Parker 2, Warner 2, Ronke, Bell, Ladhams, McInerney, Blakey

BEST 
West Coast: Duggan, Redden, Naish, Ryan, Witherden
Sydney: Mills, Ladhams, Parker, Heeney, Lloyd, McInerney

INJURIES 
West Coast: Nil
Sydney: Nil

SUBSTITUTES 
West Coast: Jake Waterman (unused)
Sydney: Josh Kennedy (unused)

Crowd: 42,888 at Optus Stadium