West Coast has stormed over the top of a gallant Sydney in their AFL qualifying final at Subiaco Oval to earn a home preliminary final and remain on track for a first premiership in 11 years.

Sydney led by 14 points early in the final term, but some glaring misses from the Swans and some generous umpiring decisions conspired to allow the Eagles to steal victory in the final term 10.9 (69) to 10.5 (65) and sit one win from the grand final.

With the game in the balance Tadhg Kennelly and Adam Goodes both missed kickable goals for the Swans.

Adam Hunter then ignited the crowd with an early goal in the final quarter and finally brought the 43,302 fans onto their feet with a huge mark and goal from right on 50m to put West Coast in front in the dying minutes.

Ashley Sampi then sealed the result with a snap from a tight angle.

Michael Gardiner, Hunter and Sampi all finished with two goals for the home side.

All the attention was on interim Sydney skipper Barry Hall in the lead-up, but he was well held and two of his running mates, Nick Davis and Michael O'Loughlin, finished with three majors apiece for the unlucky visitors.

It was a difficult defeat for a Sydney outfit that largely dictated play from midway through the first term and fell agonisingly short of a first win against the Eagles in Perth since 2001.

Sydney now awaits the winner of the elimination final between Geelong and Melbourne, while the Eagles retain the home ground advantage they worked all season for, enjoying a week off before hosting a preliminary final.

West Coast coach John Worsfold was delighted with the way his team finished out the match.

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