Sydney Swans coach John Longmire has questioned the work rate of his players after a disappointing 34-point NAB Challenge loss to Greater Western Sydney on Friday night.
The final margin flattered the Swans who had no answer to the outside run and speed of the winners, eventually losing the uncontested possession count 205-155.
GWS defender Heath Shaw had 29 disposals and 10 rebound 50's to lead the way, with Nathan Wilson, Zac Williams, Aidan Corr and co-captain Phil Davis part of a dominant backline that created plenty of scoring opportunities.
Midfielders Callan Ward, Ryan Griffen, Dylan Shiel and Lachie Whitfield were the link players to benefit from the outstanding work of the Giants' defence.
Longmire said the Swans allowed the Giants too much time and space and paid the price.
"You've really got to measure yourself on your opposition's uncontested possessions, that's a measure of your work rate versus the opposition, both to get the ball and stopping the opposition getting the ball," he said.
"We just thought too often they were able to get the ball from one end of the ground to the other without enough pressure on them.
"It's the ability to use the ball when we have our turn, but the work rate to get across to stop the opposition from using it was probably pretty low.
"We're not happy with the way we played and we need to get better at it next week."
The Swans finish their pre-season campaign against Carlton at Etihad stadium next Friday night, and Longmire said he wouldn't be resting any of his big name players.
Lance Franklin, Kurt Tippett, Luke Parker, Josh Kennedy and Dan Hannebery are among a group of stars to play both matches so far, and they'll be heading to Melbourne in a week's time as the Swans' gear their preparation towards round one.
Dynamic veteran Steve Johnson was the best forward on the ground and finished with three goals and four inside 50's from 17 possessions in his first outing as a Giant.
GWS coach Leon Cameron praised the 2007 Norm Smith medallist, who worked himself into the game towards the end of the opening term and showed he'll add plenty to the team's forward mix.
"There's no doubt there's some extraordinary things that he can do on the footy field," Cameron said.
"The good thing about him is his pressure. He's willing to use his body, and he's really hard and competitive as we know.
"Some of his forward pressure hits to upset the opposition was pleasing.
"We know he is always going to hit the scoreboard and if you have a small or medium forward whose going to kick two or three goals a game it's a bonus, so he's gelled in really well."
The Giants take on Brisbane at Metricon stadium on Sunday week, with Cameron also stating that he'll take a strong line-up to the Gold Coast for the encounter.
