Superstar forward Lance Franklin kicked the highest individual score of the season, booting eight goals against Brisbane Lions to propel Sydney to its first win after six losses.
Franklin set the tone, scoring from a set shot inside the first minute, with Sydney leading by 35 points at quarter-time on their way to a 20.15 (135) to 12.9 (81) win at the SCG on Sunday.
It lifted them off the foot of the ladder and above the Lions, who have now lost their last 10 clashes with the Swans.
While not back to their relentless best, it was clearly the best performance of the season by the Swans, though they were never tested by the Lions.
The best of Franklin's bag was a remarkable kick on the run from close to 80m just before quarter time.
It was Franklin's first haul of more than four this season and his biggest bag since he kicked nine against St Kilda in his 200th game back in 2014.
Franklin had five goals on the board by half-time, by which stage he had scored only six points less than the entire Lions team.
Franklin apart, speedy youngster Zak Jones was another standout Swan, tallying a career-best 27 touches and kicking a goal after a blistering run through traffic.
Swans coach John Longmire was full of praise for his side's ferocity.
"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," he 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.
Tom Rockliff headed the Lions' effort with a match-high 11 tackles and 32 disposals, while the recalled Marco Paparone notched 28 possessions in his 50th game.
Lions coach Chris Fagan revealed that he spoke with defender Daniel McStay at three-quarter time to check if he wanted to finish the game on Franklin, having given up seven goals, and he was rapt when McStay refused to take the easy way out and switch opponents.
"When I hear that its music to my ears and that’s what we're after as coaches," Fagan said.
"They've all got a really good growth mindset, they understand that you've got to go through experiences like this and come out the other side to be a good player.
"These boys won't always be in the position they're in now, they will grow, and they will get better, and there will be better times ahead for them."
Recalled Sydney key defender Aliir Aliir was dropped from the team before the game after failing to make the club's eve of match training run on Saturday.
MEDICAL ROOM
Sydney Swans: They look to have come through the game without any worries on the injury front.
Brisbane Lions: Mitch Robinson rolled his right ankle in the first term and although he played out the match, he looked extremely hampered and must be in doubt for next week.
NEXT UP
The Swans head to Etihad Stadium next week for a Sunday twilight clash against North Melbourne, while the Lions take on Hawthorn in Tasmania on Saturday afternoon.
SYDNEY 7.5 12.10 17.13 20.15 (135)
BRISBANE LIONS 2.0 6.2 9.5 12.9 (81)
GOALS
Sydney: Franklin 8, Hayward 2, Sinclair 2, Cunningham 2, Towers, Kennedy, Heeney, Parker, Jones, Hannebery
Brisbane Lions: Lester 2, Schache 2, Rockliff 2, Zorko, Close, Berry, Barrett, Keays, Robertson
BEST
Sydney: Franklin, Jones, Heeney, Parker, Hannebery, Lloyd
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Paparone, Martin, Andrews, Zorko
INJURIES
Sydney: Nil
Brisbane Lions: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Margetts, Dalgleish
Official crowd: 25,619 at the SCG
