WEST Coast is set to resize Domain Stadium at training this week to replicate the dimensions of the SCG in preparation for Saturday's blockbuster with the Sydney Swans.
The Eagles have not played at the SCG since 2010 and have not won there since Mick Malthouse was coach in 1999.
The dimensions of Domain Stadium (175m long and 122m wide) are significantly different to that of the SCG (155m long and 136m wide).
Instead of moving to a smaller ground this week, the Eagles will instead re-mark Domain Stadium using cones and makeshift goalposts as they have done regularly in the last couple of seasons when preparing for matches at Etihad Stadium or the MCG.
"They just change the dimensions at Subi (Domain Stadium) for us," midfielder Chris Masten said on Monday.
"We're not stuck to the size Subi is. We can put some cones around and make it smaller and do different things with it. We're happy to train at Subi. It's our base."
Masten said it was important for the Eagles to perform well against the Swans after some patchy recent form away from home.
"I think it's huge, going over to Sydney, we haven't played there very often," Masten said.
"I think it's always important to win games wherever you play them. But away for us, we play so frequently away, we need to make the most of it and against a big opponent like the Sydney Swans it's going to be really important.
"We don't know really how to play the ground as yet but the coaches will do some planning around that."
The Eagles have an extra day of recovery this week and Masten said the eight-day break was vital for the Eagles after consecutive six-day breaks.
They are set to be without ruckman Scott Lycett after he was offered a one-match ban for striking Richmond's Ty Vickery on Friday night.
Masten said Lycett's aggression had been a feature of his game this year and the Eagles did not want him to change despite what took place against the Tigers.
"I think naturally that's the way he plays and that's the way he plays his best football," Masten said.
"We need that from him every week and love the way he attacks it.
"You play footy the way you play footy. It's pretty hard to chop and change I think."
Recruit Jonathan Giles is the likely replacement for Lycett after he had 24 hit-outs and kicked three goals in the WAFL on the weekend.
The Eagles are also hopefully of regaining Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis this week after he was a late withdrawal against the Tigers due to a groin strain.
West Coast has won the last two matches that Priddis has missed and Masten said it was an indication of the evenness of the playing group.
"I don't think any one player is crucial to us winning, (given) that team brand of footy, the way we defend as a team, the way we attack as a team," Masten said.
"Obviously you want a Brownlow medallist out there but he wasn't and we can cover him. That's a positive. Hopefully he should be sweet to come back this week to take on the Swans."
