Sydney has moved into the top four with a thoroughly professional 18-point win over Brisbane at a wet Gabba on Saturday night.
The 10.7 (67) to 6.13 (49) victory was the Swans' third straight and kept their unbeaten run on the road intact in 2018.
It also continued a winning streak against the Lions that dates back to 2009.
The Lions tried hard and can hold their heads high, but Sydney was rarely troubled, leading by four points at quarter-time and gradually moving away across the game.
Even with superstar forward Lance Franklin (one goal) well held by Darcy Gardiner, the Swans were too much, with classy Isaac Heeney and youngsters Ben Ronke and Will Hayward kicking two goals apiece.
Josh Kennedy (34 disposals, 23 contested) was a bull in the slippery conditions, while George Hewett (28), Jake Lloyd (26) and Luke Parker (22) were also valuable.
The Lions kept coming, and Allen Christensen's goal early in the final term had them within 15 points, but for much of the contest, they battled to work through a disciplined Swans' defence.
When Brisbane tried to exit its defensive 50, a hurried kick was often met by a wall of Swans, which saw the ball coming back with interest.
Callum Mills' season-ending injury during the week might hurt his team long-term, but it didn't in this match, with Lloyd, Jarrad McVeigh (22) and Zak Jones (25) particularly clean across half-back.
The trio not only got plenty of ball but disposed of it at better than 80 per cent efficiency.
Six days ago Brisbane defeated Hawthorn, and although being unable to back up with another win, did enough to again encourage its supporters.
They matched the Swans in tight and won most statistical categories, including inside 50s (56-51), clearances (52-40) and tackles (81-58) but were rushed with their disposal.
Youngsters Cam Rayner and Jarrod Berry giving away 50m penalties that resulted in goals on a low-scoring night didn't help either.
In the same week he stepped down as captain, Dayne Beams was a monster.
He was tireless, finishing with 38 disposals and drifting forward to slot a nice set shot from a neat Dan McStay pass.
Mitch Robinson was ferocious, body-lining Dan Hannebery with a huge bump in the first quarter – that the Swan somehow got up from – and had a match-high 26 contested possessions among his total of 35.
The Lions played the second half without rugged defender Matt Eagles, who went off before the main break with an adductor injury.
BRISBANE 2.2 2.3 4.7 6.13 (49)
SYDNEY 3.0 5.3 8.6 10.7 (67)
GOALS
Brisbane: Berry, D.Beams, Rayner, Zorko, Cutler, Christensen
Sydney: Heeney 2, Hayward 2, Ronke 2, Papley, Stoddart, Franklin, Jack
BEST
Brisbane: D.Beams, Gardiner, Robinson, Zorko, Martin, Cutler
Sydney: Kennedy, Jones, Lloyd, Heeney, McVeigh, Hewett
INJURIES
Brisbane: Eagles (adductor)
Sydney: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Ryan, Hosking, Gavine
Official crowd: 18,702 at the Gabba
