Andrejs Everitt

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Patersons Stadium, Perth

At the end of the last round, Sydney Swans found themselves on top of the AFL Ladder by what looked like a feat of legerdemain. Throughout the season the Swans have quietly crept up the table under the radar of their opponents and must now be seen as serious Grand Final contenders. The West Coast Eagles were below them in second position prior to the round but needed to win this important match up to stay in touch for the all-important double chance in the Finals.

Jonathan Brown's second goal late in the third term against the Suns was his 500th career goal. He is the first player in the club’s history to reach the mark. Docker Matthew Pavlich kicked a goal in Round 4 and one in Round 5. He needs five more to become the first Docker in Fremantle's short history to boot 500 goals.

Sydney and West Coast have a history of close, hard fought encounters over the last decade. The Eagles’ form so far this season has been good but Sydney never gives up the fight. This game was billed as a big challenge for the Eagles, up against a Finals team from last year after finishing on the bottom of the Ladder.