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Joanna Guelas

Recalled forward reignites Swans' bid for finals berth

Rebecca Privitelli has helped Sydney climb back into the AFLW's top eight. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Rebecca Privitelli has kicked three goals to fire Sydney to a 17-point win over an Ella Roberts-less West Coast, keeping the Swans' slim finals hopes alive.

Daisy Pearce's Eagles were dealt a massive blow just hours before Saturday's clash at Henson Park after main ball-winner Roberts was ruled out with hamstring tightness.

Eagles defender Annabel Johnson came into the side as the Swans posted a 6.7 (43) to 3.8 (26) victory in front of 4519 fans.

Sydney can finish the penultimate home-and-away round in eighth as one of four teams on 24 points, while West Coast remain sixth on percentage.

But coach Scott Gowans will be sweating the fitness of Cynthia Hamilton after the star forward hurt her left ankle in a front-on collision with Eagles players Sanne Bakker early in the first term.

Hamilton laid on the ground in agony and required assistance to leave the field, before being substituted out of the game at quarter-time.

The home side were also without star duo Chloe Molloy (back) and Sofia Hurley (quad), but it mattered little as Privitelli made the most of her recall to the side.

Privitelli pulled off her goal haul from just nine touches to remind Gowans of her quality.

The 30-year-old had been missing from the side for three weeks, with Saturday's clash just her fourth game this season.

Laura Gardiner (30 disposals) saw plenty of the ball in her 50th game, well-supported by fellow Swans midfielder Tanya Kennedy (seven clearances).

Mikayala Western of the Eagles
The Swans worked hard throughout the contest to ensure they banked a much-needed win. (Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS)

Lauren Wakfer was among West Coast's best with one goal, 14 disposals and four clearances.

Sydney rallied quickly after losing Hamilton, with Privitelli opening the scoring with her first goal of the season to help set up an eight-point lead at quarter-time.

West Coast could only cut the deficit to four points in the second quarter as both sides struggled to hit the scoreboard, slotting one goal each.

The home side finally broke away when Privitelli kicked her third goal of the match, taking a 23-point lead at the final break.

Kellie Gibson kicked off the final term with West Coast's first goal since the second quarter, but she couldn't spark a comeback.

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