WHAT is it about Sydney-West Coast matches? Always fierce. Always thrilling. Always emotional. And, more often than not, very close.

Last night's clash did not have had the scoreboard tension of many in recent times.

The in-form Swans won quite comfortably against an Eagles side that has lost its aura and is now on a three-match losing slide.

But what the match lacked in closeness, it made up for in drama — a dramatic left hook, to be exact.

Call it a reaction, a brain explosion, a 180-degree twist and pike. Whatever it was, it flattened Brent Staker. And, it had plenty to do with Barry Hall.

Whatever the verdict from the Staker incident, Hall will have time off anyway, after he ran into an advertising hoarding and broke his right wrist. Yes, the hoarding broke.

The show went on, even if there was a slightly peculiar feel to the rest of the night.

It was the first test of the interest of people from Sydney's west since the AFL's confirmation that it would push ahead with the creation of a second Sydney team. It wasn't a huge crowd — 44,235 — but still created a good atmosphere and plenty of support for the Swans.

After a frantic start, Michael O'Loughlin bagged a pair of goals, Hall potted a free kick and Marty Mattner gave the Swans an 18-point break at quarter-time, with the Eagles getting one through Ben McKinley, soon after the Hall incident.

McKinley scored one in the second term — his were the Eagles' only goals for the half — but the Swans added another four goals, to Jarrad McVeigh, Adam Goodes, Ryan O'Keefe and Brett Kirk, and scooted to a half-time lead of 8.6. (54) to 2.3.(15).

Efficient work in the midfield, quick delivery to a keen and buoyant forward line and often lethal execution in front of goal were the keys to the Swans' success last night.

It carried on into the third quarter with Jude Bolton, Darren Jolly and Kieren Jack adding their names to the goal-scorers' list and O'Loughlin kicking the third of his four.

The Swans released the gas a bit in the final term, conceding territorial advantage, but still adding salt to various Eagles wounds.

Tadhg Kennelly, O'Keefe, Goodes, Kirk, Mattner, Ted Richards and Leo Barry were the best of a good bunch. Former Hawk Luke Brennan performed well after coming in for the injured Heath Grundy.

The Eagles had some excuses. Not only were they coming off consecutive losses, they were depleted, without injured midfielder Matt Priddis, David Wirrpanda and they'd dropped the out-of-form Brad Ebert and premiership midfielder Chad Fletcher. Mark Nicoski had also been cut, but had to be recalled when valuable wingman Andrew Embley joined the list of sidelined players, succumbing to illness.

All-Australian ruckman Dean Cox was included, despite injuring his foot last round and there was a cloud over captain Darren Glass, but he took his place.

Just five points had separated these two sides in four of their past five games and the Eagles had won the past three. McKinley kicked four of the Eagles' five goals in a good showing.

But nothing could stop the Swans from cleaning up last night. They are running hot and celebrated Goodes' club record 195 consecutive games in style.

SYDNEY 4.2 8.6 12.8 16.11 (107)
WEST COAST 1.2 2.3 4.5 5.15 (45) O'Loughlin 4, McVeigh 2, Barlow 2, Hall, Mattner, Goodes, O'Keefe, Kirk, J Bolton, Jolly, Jack. West Coast: McKinley 4, Armstrong.

GOALS Sydney:

BEST Sydney: Kennelly, Jack, Barry, Mattner, Kirk, Richards, O'Loughlin, O'Keefe. West Coast: Rosa, McKinley.

INJURIES Sydney: Hall (broken wrist). Grundy (foot) replaced in selected side by Brennan. West Coast: Staker (concussion, bruised jaw). Embley (ill) replaced in selected side by Nicoski.

REPORTS Sydney: Hall for allegedly striking Staker (West Coast).

UMPIRES Kennedy, Donlon, Wenn.

CROWD 44,235 at ANZ Stadium.

THE UPSHOT The Swans face the biggest test yet of their sweeping form this season when they take on rip-roaring Geelong down south next weekend. Even though Big Bad Bustling Bazza's wrist — and the tribunal — will keep him out of it, it should still be a cracker the way the Swans are travelling. On the other side, the once all-conquering mighty Eagles look to have had their wings seriously clipped.

TALKING POINT There was really only one talking point last night. It started in minute 24 and it will be talked about all this week until we are all completely sick of it. Particularly Barry Hall. This angle, that angle, roof-cam, grass-cam, post-cam, upside-down cam. Be prepared.

HOT AND COLD Michael O'Loughlin is looking fit, fast and more confident than ever. His use of his body, his guile and skill were a highlight of last night. He adds a lot of class to the Swans' juggernaut. A gem. Put him in cotton wool and unwrap him next week in Geelong.