Essendon’s pressure and intensity during Saturday’s match asked questions of the Swans’ defensive half, who were able to answer.

The back six were under siege from the first bounce as an emotionally charged Bombers outfit piled on the first four goals of the match to establish a 26-point lead by half-time.

It could have been a lot more had it not been for the tireless efforts of the Swans’ defenders, especially Rhyce Shaw who led the team’s disposal count for much of the opening half (14 to half-time) trying to repel the Bombers’ forward 50 entries.

Fellow defender Dane Rampe (18 disposals) said the level of Essendon’s intensity was to be expected.

“Credit to Essendon they came out firing,” Rampe said.

“It was an emotional week for them so we knew they’d come out firing…the most disappointing thing we couldn’t match their intensity early.

“But I thought we were pretty good early, especially the back six. Considering it was coming in so much I thought we held it together pretty well.”

The momentum leveled out following the main break despite Essendon kicking four of the first five goals of the third term to extend the margin out to as much as 41 points.

A long goal from Jeremy Laidler, the sixth of his career, pegged it back to 34 points and rewarded the home side’s tackling, intensity and forward 50 entries which had noticeably lifted.

“The positive thing is we found a way,” Rampe continued.

“Momentum is a huge thing in footy and that was the message going through the group. Once we have it, don’t give it up because it could change at any time.

“We ran with it and that was the difference in the end.”

The tide turned dramatically in the final term as the Swans’ booted 7.4 to nil to help rake in the 34-point deficit facing the side going at three-quarter-time.

“It was a really good win to be a part of,” Rampe said.

“What it does it gives us the belief we can do it when the momentum is against us, and when we are down we can find a way.”