LEWIS Jetta says there is no secret to winning at the SCG, and the former Swan believes his West Coast teammates shouldn't overthink adapting to their bogey ground.
The Eagles have a horrible 3-15 record (including one loss to North Melbourne) on Sydney's home deck, which is a markedly different shape to their old Subiaco Oval base, and haven't won there since 1999.
West Coast's new home at Optus Stadium is closer to the SCG's dimensions – only 10m longer and 6m narrower – but the reigning premiers still went down to Sydney on the road in round 13 last year by 15 points.
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Breaking a seven-game losing streak to the Swans on their home turf would strengthen the Eagles' grip on a top-four spot, and Jetta was confident they could transfer their distinctive kick-mark brand to the SCG.
Lewis Jetta (in action in 2012) knows the SCG well. Picture: AFL Photos
"I couldn't really tell you (the secret) to be honest. I know I played there a lot of times (47), but an oval is an oval at the end of the day," the 2012 premiership-winning Swan told AFL.com.au.
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"Some teams will adjust going there, but you've still got to play football no matter what size oval it is.
"The SCG is pretty wide, it's just short in length. If we play our way, our style, the West Coast brand, we'll be tough to beat."
Jetta's elite distribution from the backline could be even more important this Sunday with superboot Shannon Hurn ruled out due to a slight hamstring strain.
It will be Jetta's second game back from a one-match suspension for rough conduct.
The 30-year-old is still confused after receiving a free kick for catching Melbourne's Tim Smith holding the ball after the Demon thought play had stopped, but then being cited by the Match Review Officer.
Smith was concussed after hitting his head on the turf in Jetta's tackle and the Eagles opted against challenging the MRO's decision.
"I'd do exactly the same, because in my eyes I did nothing wrong," Jetta said of the tackle.
"I didn't do it badly, my technique was good, and even though everyone stopped I looked at the umpire twice and he was saying 'play on, play on', so I played to the umpire's call.
"I'm not going to change the way I tackle. I didn't do it forcefully. Probably next time I try to tackle maybe put a pillow under people's heads so they don't hit the ground.
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"We were, growing up, taught to wrap their arms up and take them to ground and I didn't do it in a bad way. Matter of fact, I fell down onto the ground first and then him.
"His head just happened to hit the ground and that's where we're at these days.
"If their head hits the ground it's a dangerous tackle, but if it doesn't it's not a dangerous tackle.
"I'm still confused. I still don't know what to do. Plus, he's a big dude, I'm a skinny guy."
