A gutsy Sydney Swans VFL side have fallen short by five-points to the third-placed Brisbane Lions outfit at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday afternoon.

Despite a blistering start which saw the red and white take a four-goal lead after the opening quarter, the home side rallied the stronger of the two sides, securing a nailbiting 13.14.92 to 15.7.97.

Experienced forward Sam Reid had the Swans racing out of the blocks, kicking the first goal of the game before teammates Caleb Mitchell, Joel Hamling, Matty Lloyd, Caiden Cleary and Peter Ladhams all also scored goals.

This poised performance in blustery conditions, saw the Swans end the first term with 20 clearances and 50 points.

The home side rallied to cut the margin back down to nine-points at the half way mark.

Young ruckman Will Green kicked the first goal of the third quarter from a set shot before midfielder Angus Sheldrick kicked a blazing long-range goal after a quick play down the corridor.

The Lions responded to cut the Swans lead at the third quarter to just three-points, and after kicking four of the first five goals of the final quarter, found themselves in a comfortable position.

The Swans made every attempt to claw back the lead, however fell short in the dying minutes of the game to go down by under a goal.

Swans VFL coach Damian Truslove expressed his pride in the side's tough effort, noting areas of growth from his side.

“Our ability to compete really hard for four quarters,” Truslove said after the game.

“The boys did that really well. Against a really strong Brisbane team in tough conditions away from home, the attitude and the effort was excellent.”

Truslove praised Aaron Francis, Cleary (21 disposals, nine tackles and a goal), Matt Lloyd and Angus Sheldrick (26, eight clearances and a goal), but had special praise for defender Harry Arnold.

In his second game back from a back injury sustained in the pre-season, Truslove spoke highly about Arnold’s off-field growth that he is now bringing into his game.

“One thing Harry does really well is he's team first,” Truslove said.

“His form will continue to improve as he plays more footy, but he's all about ‘team’ and his communication. Connection on the ground with his teammates is excellent.

“When he was injured, he was helping with the coaching so he has learned a lot in that space.

I think he's taken that onto the field and been a strong leader for us.”

Caiden Cleary finished the game with 21 disposals and five hitouts, while Jaiden Magor had 24 touches, Aaron Francis had 22, Peter Ladhams had 20 and kicked two goals and veteran Sam Reid had two goals.

QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Ned Hawkins played his debut VFL game while James Lugsdin scored his own goal off the back of a strong tackle in front of the centre posts.

“I think that the relationship between the Academy and the VFL team is so important and it's working really well,” Truslove explained.

“The VFL assistant coaches and myself work really hard with those boys to make sure that they get the opportunity to keep developing.”

The Swans will play in Queensland again next week as they take on the Southport Sharks next Saturday July 27, 12:05pm at Fankhauser Reserve.