Sydney Swans reserves coach Henry Playfair believes his players’ tackle pressure and attack on the ball was the basis for their 50-point win over Ainslie in Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.

With a decent crowd in attendance at Newcastle’s No. 1 Sportsground, Playfair said he was pleased that his team was able to showcase their hardened game plan and topple last year’s AFL Canberra premiers.

“The tackle count in particular was probably the best we’ve had for the year, in terms of numbers that we made, and tackles missed, so that aspect of the game was pretty pleasing,” Playfair told sydneyswans.com.au.

“Our contested ball was good as well, which really set up the win in my mind.”

The Swans reserves remain undefeated atop the NEAFL Eastern Conference ladder, with Playfair looking forward to another tough trip north this weekend as they face the Brisbane Lions reserves at Coorparoo.

“I’m expecting a really fierce contest, which will be great for our players,” he said.

“Again, we get a chance to play some AFL-listed players in our first interstate trip for a fair while - if you exclude the Canberra game - so that’ll be good experience for the players to get away and I expect them to perform well.”

One player who may not feature against the Lions reserves on Saturday is Trent Dennis-Lane, with Playfair suggesting that his recent form in the reserves may be enough to earn him a call-up to the senior side.

“I think he’s almost forcing his way to be looked at for seniors, so hopefully for him he gets a chance,” Playfair said.

“He has kicked a few goals, but I reckon what’s set him up more is his defensive efforts.

“Again on the weekend, they weren’t exactly easy goals over the top, he had to work for them.

“His defensive pressure was pretty good; I think he had another four tackles which was pleasing.”

The midfield was again dominant, led by Jarred Moore and Dylan McNeil, while Paul Bevan was superb, capitalising on his time spent resting forward where he managed to kick three goals.    

“Bevo played on ball and rested up forward, got plenty of the ball, and kicked three goals.” Playfair said.

“He was another one, who had eight tackles and only missed the one, so a pretty all-round good four quarter game from him.”

Playfair said he was pleased with the form shown by Campbell Heath in his second game back from pre-season LARS surgery, as well as the continued development of rookie Eugene Kruger.

“Eugene is an interesting case, he’s only new to the sport,” he said.

“He’s got some South African heritage, is a really good athlete, and he’s had a bit of an up and down year, but the weekend was probably his best game for the season.”

The Sydney Swans reserves will play the NEAFL Northern Conference’s Brisbane Lions reserves at Giffin Park, Coorparoo from 1pm this Saturday afternoon.