The Sydney Swans and Gold Coast Suns ended Round 4 of the VFL competition in a nail-biting thriller on Sunday morning, walking off the SCG in a draw. 

Both teams were forced to battle slippery conditions and resulted in a close contest across all four quarters. The Swans suffered a slow start on the scoreboard with Jacob Konstanty kicking the first and only goal for his side in the first quarter, followed by goals from Peter Ladhams and Caleb Mitchell in the second.

Despite a quiet half VFL head coach Damian Truslove was impressed by the team's contest work. 

"We just had to improve our defence, particularly the slow play defence. We changed a few things to change our positioning," Truslove told Sydney Swans Media.

14:58

VFL Mini-Match, R4: Sydney v Gold Coast

Extended highlights of the Swans and Suns clash in round four

The Swans found a surge in the third quarter and stole the lead for the first time ending with a six-point lead. Jack Buller and Angus Sheldrick, both returning from injury, proved to be important across the ground. Buller kicked a major in the third term and finished the match with four tackles.

Sheldrick who sustained a finger injury in the preseason led the Swans with 30 disposals, 10 marks and three tackles. 

"His pressure was outstanding, I thought it got better as the game went on," Truslove noted.

"To have Sheldrick back in the team after injury, he gave us a run around the ball."

A number of AFL list players also returned to the side this week including Ladhams (one goal and 18 disposals), Caleb Mitchell (25 disposals, three tackles), Corey Warner (20 disposals, three tackles) and Patrick Snell (19 disposals and six marks).

02:03

VFL Showreel, R4: Caleb Mitchell highlights

Enjoy Caleb Mitchell's standout VFL performance for Sydney

In particular Truslove praised the backline citing Snell, Will Edwards and Aaron Francis as standouts

He added, "Through the midfield, I thought Warner were in a really good first half. Mitchell was solid. Then our small forwards, like Konstanty were dangerous in our second half."

A goal from the Suns late in the fourth quarter secured an advantage for the away team with two behinds from the Swans just enough two secure ladder points against the 2023 premiers. 

The Swans will travel to Melbourne this week for a Sunday clash with the Box Hill Hawks.

"I think our contest was solid, our ball movement was pretty good," the coach said.

"We've just got to clean up a couple of things around our defence. I think we'll have a good chance next week."

SYDNEY SWANS V GOLD COAST SUNS

Sydney - 8.12.60
Gold Coast - 9.6.60

Sydney Goals: Jacob Konstanty (3), Caleb Mitchell (2), Peter Ladhams (1), Aaron Francis (1), Jack Buller (1).