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West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL Round 4 Tips - Swans to put a temporary end to Eagles resurgence

adam-cusworth
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Last updated: Thu 02 Apr 2026 10:15

The West Coast Eagles face a challenging matchup against the Sydney Swans in Round 4 of the 2026 AFL season. Both teams are evenly matched with a 2-1 record, but Sydney's speed and transition game, refreshed by a bye, might prove decisive. Notably, Sydney has a winning streak against West Coast, bolstered by strong performances from Callum Mills and forward Charlie Curnow. Despite recent wins, the Eagles may struggle against the Swans' consistency and track record at Optus Stadium. Expert predictions favor Sydney to cover the line, with Charlie Curnow in focus for a standout performance.

Adam Cusworth 02 Apr 2026
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  • The game will be played at Optus Stadium on Saturday, April 4, with the bounce at 7:35 PM (AEST)
  • Can the Eagles make it three in a row for the first time since 2021?
  • Preview, expert analysis, stats, team news & best bet
West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL Round 4 Tips

West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans, Round 4 2026 - Expert Prediction

West Coast’s mini resurgence will come to an abrupt end when they take on the Sydney Swans on Easter Saturday. 

The Eagles sit with a win-loss record of 2-1 in 2026 and will be out to win three in a row for the first time since 2021 after scoring victories against North Melbourne and Port Adelaide in recent weeks but Sydney are an entirely different proposition. 

Sydney’s will look to bring the speed and transition from turnover with quickly ball movement and overlap run. The Swans are also 2-1 and were brilliant in their first two outings with wins over Carlton and the 2025 premiers, Brisbane, before going down by 17 to Hawthorn in Round 2. They have had the bye since then and come into this fresh. 

Isaac Heeney shapes as a key inclusion, while Joel Amartey and Charlie Curnow will be focal points up forward. 

West Coast will need to make sure they make a much stronger start than what they have in recent weeks or this could blowout, given the Swans strong recent record in the head to head battles between the two sides. 

Take Sydney to cover the line with Callum Mills setting up the Swans chains across half back, while Justin McInerney continues his strong form. Charlie Curnow is a chance to turn it on after a bit of a slow start in his new colours. 

  • Sydney have won the past five between the two sides by an average margin of 84 points. 
  • Justin McInerney is averaging 26 disposals per game this season
  • Callum Mills has had 25+ dispsosals in four of his past five matches
  • Charlie Curnow has booted 27 goals in his past five matches against West Coast

Head to Head Stats


Sydney have dominated this matchup, winning the past five meetings by an average margin of 84 points. That run includes a 171-point victory at the SCG in 2023 — the fourth-largest winning margin in VFL/AFL history — and a 67-point win the last time the sides met in Round 24 last season at Optus Stadium.

Errol Gulden starred in that most recent clash with 36 disposals (though he won’t feature in this matchup), while Callum Mills added 29. Isaac Heeney has also been a consistent threat, kicking 11 goals across his past four games against West Coast.

The Swans have a perfect record at Optus Stadium against the Eagles, winning all three meetings at the venue by an average of 53 points.

West Coast Eagles Form Analysis & Team News


West Coast have won two matches in succession for the first time since late in 2024. They went 1-23 last season and after just three matches in they have bettered their 2025 record. They will be out to win three in a row for the first time since 2021. 

In the two-point victory over the Power, Tim Kelly (23 disposals) and Harley Reid (21 and two goals) led the way in the middle, while Jake Waterman booted four goals. 

The two wins have been highlighted by momentum swings, coming back after being down by 28 in the second quarter against Port Adelaide and by 30 against North Melbourne in the 17-point Round 2 victory. 

West Coast Eagles Team News


Elliot Yeo will miss with a groin injury that was sustained in the win over Port Adelaide, joining the likes of Brandon Starcevich and Jack Hutchinson on the sidelines. Sandy Brock and Ryan Maric are among the possible inclusions. 

Sydney Swans Form Analysis & Team News


Sydney burst out of the blocks in 2026 with a 63-point win over Carlton, followed by a 44-point victory over an undermanned Brisbane side — both at the SCG. They suffered key injuries in the Brisbane clash before travelling to the MCG, where they went down to Hawthorn by 17 points.

Justin McInerney has been a standout, averaging 26 disposals per game, while Callum Mills is close behind at 25. Joel Amartey has provided a strong forward presence with nine goals from three matches.

Charlie Curnow is working his way into form, kicking five goals across his first three games. He started brightly against Hawthorn with two early goals and looked dangerous before being shut out of the contest.

The margin against the Hawks could have been significantly larger, with Hawthorn recording 29 scoring shots to Sydney’s 17.

Sydney Swans Team News


Sydney come out of the bye, giving their star player, Isaac Heeney, time to recover from his hamstring issue. Errol Gulden remains on the sidelines. Harry Cunningham and Taylor Adams had plenty of the ball last week in the VFL and are pushing for a return to senior level.

West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans Team List


West CoastPOSSydney Swans
L. Duggan, T. Young, B. HoughBL. Melican, T. McCartin, C. Mills
J. Lindsay, R. Ginbey, L. BakerHBR. Bice, N. Blakey, D. Rampe
B. Allan, J. Graham, T. McCarthyCJ. Serong, I. Heeney, M. Roberts
W. Duursma, J. Shanahan, H. DavisHFM. Rosas, T. Papley, J. Rowbottom
C. Duff-Tytler, J. Waterman, J. CrippsFJ. Amartey, C. Curnow, J. Lloyd
M. Flynn, H. Reid, T. KellyFOLLB. Grundy, C. Warner, A. Sheldrick
M. Owies, A. Reid, M. Champion, S. Brock, H. SchoenbergI/CS. Wicks, J. Jordon, J. McInerney, C. Warner, L. McDonald

West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 4 FAQ’s

How to watch West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 4?

You can watch the West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 4 game via Fox Sports or Kayo Sports. If you are watching from outside of Australia the WatchAFL app is the perfect solution.

How to buy tickets to West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 4?

To buy tickets to the West Coast Eagles vs Sydney Swans AFL 2026 Round 4 game check the AFL website or the official West Coast Eagles site.

Verdict

Swans to be too strong. Mills to set up plenty of rebound from half back, while Curnow delivers up forward
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