Background
This was West Coast's first appearance in a Grand Final since winning the 1994 AFL Grand Final, whilst it was Sydney's first since losing the 1996 AFL Grand Final, and the Swans had not won a premiership since winning the 1933 VFL Grand Final. Two players from the Eagles' last premiership in 1994 were appearing in this Grand Final - Drew Banfield for the Eagles and Jason Ball, now playing for the Swans.
At the conclusion of the home and away season, West Coast had finished second on the AFL ladder behind Adelaide with 17 wins and five losses. Sydney had finished third with 15 wins and seven losses. West Coast entered the Grand Final having defeated Adelaide in the preliminary final by 16 points. Sydney had defeated St Kilda in their preliminary final by 31 points.
In the week leading up to the Grand Final, West Coast's Ben Cousins was awarded the Brownlow Medal.
Read more about this topic: 2005 AFL Grand Final
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