Where and when: Optus Stadium, Saturday, April 4, 4:35pm WST
TV: Delayed on 7mate (6:00pm) and 7plus (6:00pm) in WA, live nationally on Fox Footy and Kayo (see broadcast guide here)
Last time we met: Sydney 18.10 (118) defeated West Coast 7.9 (51) at Optus Stadium, Round 24, 2025.
After a fast-start, including the first three goals that brought the crowd to life, the Eagles were overwhelmed by the star-studded Swans in their final game of the season. Midfielder Errol Gulden was brilliant for the winners, sparking them with his crisp kicking through the midfield and finishing with 36 disposals, 10 marks and two goals. The young Eagles hunted their opponents early but could not sustain the fight, with young key forward Jobe Shanahan a shining light with three goals.
What it means for the Eagles: West Coast have started their 2026 campaign with a bang, a win over Port Adelaide last weekend securing back-to-back victories for the team for the first time since 2024. This talented young outfit has Eagles fans excited, with the likes of Willem Duursma and Jobe Shanahan shining on the big stage, both securing Rising Star nominations in consecutive weeks. The vibes are high amongst the group, and they will go into this Syndey matchup with momentum and confidence, looking for their third win of the season.
The stat: Liam Baker is averaging 8.5 contested possessions this season – ranked second in the AFL among general defenders. He averages more disposals against the Swans than any other team (22.2).
The match-up: Jack Graham v Isaac Heeney
One of the most intriguing contests on Saturday will see Jack Graham take on Isaac Heeney, with the Swans star returning after a hamstring injury suffered in round one. Heeney is at his most damaging when able to impact both at stoppage and inside forward 50, using his power, aerial presence and clean finishing to influence games in multiple ways. Graham shapes as an ideal match‑up, bringing trademark toughness, pressure and defensive intent, while also offering the flexibility to push forward and hurt the opposition the other way. How well Graham can limit Heeney’s influence as he works back into match conditioning could go a long way to shaping the balance of this contest.
It’s a big week for: Sandy Brock, Malakai Champion and Matt Owies.
West Coast’s depth and emerging talent will be on show this weekend, with defender Sandy Brock and small forwards Malakai Champion and Matt Owies all earning their first AFL appearances of the 2026 season. Brock’s call‑up adds composure to the Eagles’ backline, while Champion and Owies bring speed, pressure and forward‑half energy as they look to make an immediate impact at the top level. The trio will be eager to make the most of their chance on the big stage.
Big call: The winning run continues and the Eagles secure their third consecutive victory, first time since rounds 7-9 in 2021.
