With West Coast starting and finishing the season at home, chief executive officer Trevor Nisbett said he was satisfied with the 2011 fixture released today by the AFL.
 
“We had requested to play Richmond in round one as part of our 25th year, but this has not been possible,” Nisbett said.
 
“However, we can be satisfied with just two night matches away, which will assist our heavy travel load.
 
“The timing of the byes in rounds five and 15 is also pleasing.
 
“We will play Melbourne on a Thursday and Geelong on a Friday, with both matches at home and after a bye, which provides solid preparation time going into our next matches.
 
“We also appreciate the opportunity to host Sydney in round three for the annual HMAS Sydney II commemorative match.
 
“From the point of view of rest and recovery for the players, it is a good draw for us, with just four six-day breaks, and we would like to thank the AFL for considering this aspect of our draw.”
 
West Coast will host North Melbourne in round one and will conclude the home-and-away season against Adelaide, with the Carlton Mid Derbies scheduled for rounds eight and 18.

2011 West Coast Eagles fixture