The Sydney Swans VFL side have risen up to overpower the Northern Bullants in a tense Round 9 clash at Tramway Oval. The red and white brought on a slow surge to maintain a lead throughout finishing 11.13.79 to 9.4.58.

QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Caiden Cleary finished the game with a VFL career-high 39 disposals and a goal from outside 50 metres.

14:48

VFL Mini-Match, R9: Sydney v Northern Bullants

Extended highlights of the Swans and Bullants clash in round nine

Joel Hamling and Phil Moi Moi led the goal count for the Swans, kicking 3 goals each. Moi Moi kicked two of his goals just three-minutes apart in the second term.

Jacob Konstanty helped to steal the lead by kicking a goal late in the first quarter alongside Hamling. Konstanty kicked another in the middle of the second term to maintain the lead.

Ben Edwards and Nic Shipley finished the game with 25 disposals each, with Caleb Mitchell walking away with a goal of his own as well as 21 touches.

02:11

VFL Showreel, R9: PCaiden Cleary highlights

Enjoy Caiden Cleary's standout VFL performance for Sydney

On return from a head injury in Round 7, ruckman Lachlan McAndrew scored a goal in the first quarter, while also collecting a total of 34 hitouts across the game. The combination of McAndrew with first-year draftee Will Green showed great strength at the contest, Green finishing with 20 hitouts of his own.

It was a family affair for the young ruckman, with his direct opponent being his brother, Luke Green.

Speaking to Sydney Swans Media after the game, VFL Head Coach Damian Truslove paid credit to the up-and-coming ruckman.

Will Green plays brother Luke Green in the ruck.

“He’s a talented pickup for the club… so we’re just giving him more and more ruck time. Last week, he rucked the whole game against Frankston. Today he did about 60%, which was good and he's getting better all the time.”

Despite the midfield’s slow start, according to Truslove, they executed the plan they envisioned. 

“I think the key areas that we focused on pre-game, we ticked off. Contested possession and tackling were both in the positive, which was really good.”

The victory puts the Swans VFL side back in the winners circle as they head into a bye round.

They will return from the short break to face the Geelong Cats in a Round 10 curtain raiser at the SCG on Sunday, June 9 at 11:35am.