Sydney's ruthless and physical approach to Sunday's clash with the Brisbane Lions is the kind of footy they've been searching for all season, coach John Longmire says.

The Swans battered the visitors from the opening bounce, and then piled on the damage on the scoreboard with a seven-goal opening term before cruising to a 54-point win at the SCG.

Lance Franklin's eight goals were a highlight of the Swans' first victory of the season, but it was their aggressive play and attack on the Lions players that set up the win, with the first-quarter scuffles and melees a constant through the afternoon.

"Our leaders were really keen to make an impact (when they went) at the ball, and when the opposition got the ball, and in neutral situations, it was about making sure we had a fierce edge on us," Longmire said post-match.

"We've spoken about it over a number of weeks but we actually went out and delivered it.

"I thought the players were fantastic, they really set themselves and have been really disappointed with their performances, but they were really able to set the tone early.

"A lot of our senior players have copped some criticism and they were really good, they're a pretty proud bunch and it was important, we had to start somewhere."

Young gun Isaac Heeney had his angry head on and was one of the Swans' best with 22 possessions and a goal, but his seven clearances and five tackles were more impactful for his side.

Heeney used his rugby league background to show off some crunching hits on the Lions, and after missing the first four games of the year with glandular fever, looks like he's back to his best.

"Isaac was important from the first bounce, and he's come back in really good condition considering he was really sick there for quite a while, and didn't get out of bed for nearly two or three weeks," Longmire said.

"He was really strong and hard, he's playing for keeps, and that’s the way he plays.

"That why we like him, that’s the way he goes about it and he has a ruthless attitude about him."