SUMMARY
The Eagles face their biggest test since round three, but they meet a Swans side that is currently playing short of their best.
The Eagles have not beaten the Swans since 2007 but they have a great chance this week.
Sydney will be breathing fire: Simpson
The Swans are thin in the ruck stocks and Nic Naitanui has been in sublime form and has been a key driver of West Coast’s midfield dominance this year.
Lance Franklin will provide a headache for the Eagles given Jeremy McGovern is missing, but West Coast will still kick a score given the form of its forwards.
WHERE AND WHEN
Domain Stadium, Sunday, July 25, 2.40pm AWST
TV AND RADIO
Click here for broadcast guide
LAST FIVE TIMES
R16, 2014, Sydney 10.19 (79) d West Coast 7.9 (51) at Subiaco Oval
R17, 2013, Sydney 17.11 (113) d West Coast 11.13 (79) at Subiaco Oval
R16, 2012, Sydney 18.13 (121) d West Coast 10.9 (69) at Subiaco Oval
R3, 2011, Sydney 15.11 (101) d West Coast 13.10 (88) at Subiaco Oval
R5, 2010, Sydney 17.13 (115) d West Coast 9.9 (63) at the SCG
THE SIX POINTS
1. Swans midfielder Luke Parker was the difference in round 16 last year, gathering 33 possessions, laying six tackles and kicking two goals. Matt Priddis picked up a Brownlow vote with 28 touches and one goal.
2. The Swans are the second best tackling team in the AFL averaging 72.7 per game. The Eagles are ranked 16thwith an average of 60.9.
3. The Eagles rank second in the AFL for inside 50s averaging 56.7 entries per game. They are also second for marks inside 50 with 13.5 per game.
4. The Swans have won the last eight meetings in a row, including five at Domain Stadium. West Coast's last win was round 16, 2007.
5. Both the Eagles and Swans use handball heavily. The Swans are ranked first in the AFL for handballs averaging 178.7 per game. West Coast is third with 170.6 per game.
6. West Coast has more players ranked in the top 30 of the Official AFL Player ratings than the Swans. Nic Naitanui (15), Matt Priddis (19) and Luke Shuey (26) outnumber the Swans' duo of Josh Kennedy (11) and Lance Franklin (12).
IT'S A BIG WEEK FOR … Sam Reid
The Swans have lost Kurt Tippett this week and they need some scoring power against West Coast. Reid could be the man to provide it. He kicked three against Port Adelaide and that was the only time in the last month the Swans have kicked more than 11 goals.
AFL.com.au PREDICTION
West Coast by 20 points
