Wet weather football can be challenging at the best of times and kicking long to the forward line is the order of the day, which places immense pressure on defenders.

But the Sydney Swans’ back six, despite missing a two key members (Ted Richards and Jeremy Laidler) against Melbourne on Sunday, were clinical in the soaking rain.

Led by 200-gamer Heath Grundy, Melbourne was restricted to its lowest ever score against the Swans in Sydney (4.7.31) and the Demon’s lowest total since Round 2, 2014.

Melbourne’s tall forwards, who have been majors players in the Dees’ improved scoring power (29% increase on same time last season), managed only one goal through Jesse Hogan in a tough day for big men.

Statistically, Sydney has the best defence in the competition having conceded the least amount of points in the league after Round 13.

Grundy, speaking to SwansTV post-match, was happy with his defensive group’s efforts but saved most of his praise for the on-ball division, which pressured the opposition into mistakes with a record-breaking tackle count.

“I thought our midfield was pretty solid this week,” Grundy said.

“They were probably a little bit off last week against GWS, so they really stepped up and that held the defence in good stead.

“(There was) a lot of pressured kicks coming in which is what we like.”

In place of Richards and Laidler, the former making a comeback through the NEAFL and the latter out with a knee injury, inclusion Aliir Aliir showed plenty of composure in only his second senior game.

Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh handled the conditions with ease going at 84 per cent disposal efficiency, working in conjunction across half-back with Zak Jones who played arguably his best game.

“It was a good all-round effort from the boys,” Grundy added.

Sydney's tackle count read 155 by game's end, smashing the previous record set by Richmond in 2010, with Luke Parker leading the charge with 17 alone.