The Sydney Swans have started their 2024 VFL campaign in emphatic style with a 119-point thumping of the GIANTS at Lakeside Oval on Thursday afternoon.

It was a blistering five-goal performance from Jack Buller that spearheaded the victory, while Angus Sheldrick, Caleb Mitchell, Peter Ladhams and Caiden Cleary were standouts.

Ladhams asserted his dominance in the ruck while Sheldrick, who featured in the final stages of the AFL practice match, dominated in the midfield before hitting the scoreboard with two goals while playing forward.

Cleary, who was drafted at pick no.24 of the National Draft, looked elusive with the ball-in-hand while Mitchell capped a stellar pre-season with a fine performance from start-to-finish.

Sam Reid also made a welcome return with a handy performance in the forwards, the first time we have seen the veteran don the red and white since 2022.

VFL coach Damian Truslove lauded the performance of his squad and highlighted the work-ethic of the midfield contingent who dominated throughout the four quarters.

"It was a really strong performance and I think the depth of our squad is really impressive at the moment - we had 17 AFL players today and I thought Ladhams was really impressive - he got us going in the ruck.

"Cleary, Sheldrick, Mitchell and Warner were consistent performers throughout the whole game with their work ethic and decision-making with the footy. We had great scramble and work around the contest was really solid.

05:47

"We were really pleased with what we saw" - McVeigh

Assistant coach Mark McVeigh fronts the media after an impressive practice match performance at Tramway Oval.

Truslove also praised the relentless tackle pressure that saw the Swans record countless forward-half turnovers that ultimately paved the way for a flurry of goals in the second-half.

"Our pressure and ability to keep our pressure in the front half for long periods impressed me most. I think we had in excess of 40 forward-half turnovers, so our ability to win the contest and get it forward and set the ground up well was really pleasing."

"We still have a couple more to come back from injury, and we had the likes of Phil Moi Moi and Pierce Roseby, a player who was in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, and Jake Bartholomeaus who provide some great depth which is nice."

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