Midfield star Elliot Yeo says the Eagles are focused on the job of beating Sydney and redeeming themselves for a disappointing effort against the Western Bulldogs following an “interesting couple of days”.

West Coast has settled into Melbourne after scrambling to leave Perth before lockdown on Tuesday afternoon, and the promise of a season-shaping clash with the Swans is exciting the playing group.

Sydney sits one spot above the Eagles on the ladder in sixth, and Sunday’s winner at GMHBA Stadium in Geelong will stay ahead of the chasing pack in what has become a fierce race for the eight.

“It’s been an interesting couple of days, but the feeling is really good,” Yeo said during a Zoom media conference. 

“We’ve got a job to do and we’ve got to redeem ourselves for the performance of last week as well.

“There’s a fair bit of excitement amongst the group.”

West Coast’s midfield has borne the brunt of criticism for the Dogs defeat, with superstar Marcus Bontempelli leading an assault at Optus Stadium which saw the home team dominated in contested ball (-30), clearances (-13) and inside 50s (-22).

But Yeo insisted the Eagles engine room would be “better for the run” after skipper Luke Shuey and Tim Kelly got through their returns from stints on the sideline.

“Extremely poor result, but we’ve done our review, we know where we let ourselves down and we’re looking to rectify that going to the game this weekend in Geelong against Sydney,” Yeo said.

“They’re playing some really good football at the moment. They threw it up to Port Adelaide last week.

“It’s going to be a tough game and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”

While weight of numbers told against West Coast last match, two-time club champion Yeo has been instrumental in West Coast finding some extra grunt since his return three games ago.

The 27-year-old is still building towards peak fitness after an almost 10-month layoff due to osteitis pubis, but continues to progress back to his brilliant best.

“Still working towards that. It’s pretty difficult to go from zero to 100 pretty quick,” Yeo admitted.

“But for me it will always be a slow build towards the back end of the season. Probably had a good solid block of four weeks of training underneath my belt and then going into games.

“Still have plenty to work on and still have plenty left to give as well. Just got to try and manage it and look after it as best as possible.

“It’s been pulling up really well. I can’t really complain at the moment. You get your soreness and you might feel sore a day or two after a game or training, but it’s all manageable. It’s nowhere near the levels I was at previously from previous months ago and this time last year.

“When I play out there I don’t really feel it too much, it’s delayed effects afterwards that get me, but as I said before it’s manageable.”