1. The Eagles needed to start well and kicking against the wind they did just that, trailing 2.0 to 3.5 at the first change. Sure, Sydney could have converted better but it was a tricky breeze and the Swans’ misses gave the Eagles a sighter as they had their turn with it in the second term. The Swans scored largely on the back of West Coast errors, but the intent from the boys in the 1995 retro jumper was clear.

2. Sydney won the clearances 44-32 and at times hurt the Eagles with their swift ball movement, but West Coast were still keen to take the game on and run in support. That was one of the areas of greatest improvement week-on-week with the Eagles winning the handballs received count 101 to 99. Contested possessions were 134-126 and the two teams had 62 tackles apiece. All that added up to 53 inside 50 entries each, the second successive week West Coast had levelled on that score.

3. Experienced defenders Liam Duggan, Jeremy McGovern, Tom Cole and Tom Barrass were all outstanding, particularly McGovern and captain Liam Duggan who were exceptional. They were inspiring in the opening quarter as they thwarted the Swans consistently. McGovern had 26 possessions, two inside 50 entries and six marks while Duggan racked up 30 possessions, 12 marks and gained a whopping 699 metres with ball in hand.

4. The experienced corps in the backline was exceptional, but young defender Brady Hough continued his growth with another shut down role on the opposition’s most dangerous small forward. After completing tasks on Toby Greene (GWS) and Cody Weightman (Bulldogs) he was assigned Swans livewire Tom Papley. Hough held Papley to just 10 possessions and 0.1 while garnering 12 possessions and six marks himself.

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Rd 4 highlights v Swans

The best moments from West Coast's Gather Round clash against Sydney from Mt Barker

5. The Eagles midfield was tireless and while ruckman Bailey Williams was overshadowed slightly by Brodie Grundy, he again held his own in the ruck. Williams competed well with 17 possessions, two clunking contested marks and 24 hit outs against Grundy’s 20 possessions and 31 hit outs. The Swans big man did not take a mark. Elliot Yeo, Tim Kelly, Jayden Hunt, Harley Reid and Reuben Ginbey all made strong contributions at ground level.