West Coast defender Jeremy McGovern says it will be great to knock over the club’s SCG hoodoo, but it’s not something the players are putting too much focus on.
The Eagles have lost their past eight matches at the SCG, with their last win there coming in 1999.
Scott Cummings starred that day with five goals, while Peter Matera racked up 31 disposals and two majors as the Eagles posted a 13-point win over Sydney.
West Coast have the perfect opportunity to break their losing run at the venue when they take on the struggling Swans on Sunday.
The SCG used to be a fortress for Sydney, but they have lost eight of their past 10 matches at the venue.
West Coast are also brimming with confidence following a five-match winning run, and McGovern said the player group weren’t worried about the poor record at the SCG.
“Since 99? I didn’t know that,” McGovern replied when told about West Coast’s last win there.
“We don’t get to play there a lot. I don’t know if there’s a problem. I haven’t seen it as a problem.
“It is a little bit (about the dimensions) but I wouldn’t put it down to the ground. The opposition is a great side. We’ve had good battles with them for years.
“It is a good challenge. I don’t think we’ll be focusing on (the venue). We just want to play good footy. If we do knock it over – great.”
Eagles captain Shannon Hurn is in some doubt after his hamstring tightened up during Sunday’s 61-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
West Coast booted 21.7 (133) against the Bulldogs to post their highest score of the season, and McGovern was happy with the consistency the group displayed.
“I wouldn’t say it’s our best performance. We just want to play consistent footy,” McGovern said.
“I think we got a little bit of a taste of it yesterday, so that’s what we are focusing on.”