The Gold Coast Suns snapped Sydney’s nine-game winning streak in a see-sawing contest decided by 23 points at the SCG on Saturday afternoon, but an outstanding performance by star midfielder Jordan Dawson gave Swans fans reason to cheer.

The 21-year-old lodged his strongest case for an AFL recall since returning from injury in early June, collecting 29 touches and three goals in the 11.10 (76) to 8.5 (53) loss.

But the most eye-catching statistic of the lot was Dawson’s 23 tackles, with the South Australian providing the Swans with enormous pressure on the inside of the contest with and without the Sherrin.

Dawson made his AFL debut in Sydney’s match with Collingwood in Round 3, 2017 but hasn’t played senior football since.

Saturday’s AFL curtain-raiser was up for grabs as Gold Coast took a one-point lead into three-quarter time, but the Suns would run in six final-term goals to the Swans’ three in the Round 16 clash.

Injuries to Swans trio Gary Rohan (hand), Ryley Stoddart (concussion) and James Bell (concussion) rubbed salt in the wounds.

Rohan finished his day at half-time and will be assessed in the coming days.

But on a brighter note, a number of key cogs pushing for AFL selection did their chances no harm, with veteran defender Heath Grundy, midfielders Dean Towers and Jordan Foote and defender Alex Johnson all firing.

Grundy gathered 24 touches and pulled the strings behind the ball, while Towers picked up 26 possessions and a goal and floated between the midfield, forward line and ruck.

Foote recorded 26 disposals and 11 tackles and his enormous run and carry and attack on the football shone through, while Johnson finished with 22 touches and was squeaky-clean off the boot off half-back.

One of the highlights of the match was Johnson linking with Dawson for the opening goal of the game, with a pinpoint Johnson kick up the right wing finding his star teammate on the lead inside 50.

Dawson slotted the ensuing set shot and bagged another goal moments later to get Sydney off to a rocketing start.

But despite bursting out of the blocks and leading at the first change and half-time, Gold Coast would prove too strong.

Young defender Angus Styles (24 disposals, 11 tackles, two goals) was another of the Swans’ best on return from a shoulder injury, while QBE Sydney Swans Academy product Jake Brown (16 touches) also showed promise.

A Round 17 bye will give Sydney a chance to regroup before reloading for a massive duel with the Brisbane Lions at the SCG in early August.

Gold Coast Suns 3.0 3.3 5.5 11.10 (76)

Sydney Swans 3.3 3.4 5.4 8.5 (53)

Goals – Sydney Swans: J Dawson 3, A Styles 2, L Swaney 2, D Towers