Swans swing man Sam Reid believed impacting the scoreboard early and profusely was a key to toppling Hawthorn on Saturday night.

The Swans piled on five unanswered goals in the opening term to establish a 27-point lead at quarter-time, a strong start ignited by a Gary Rohan goal within the first minute of the game, before the reigning premier slowly but surely pegged the deficit back.

Speaking on ABC Radio’s The Sunday Huddle, Reid said setting the tone early and putting such a quality outfit on the backfoot went a long way to winning the game.

“It was a pretty big game for us,” Reid said.

“We knew we had to come out hard, take it to them early and put pressure on them right from the start.

“We needed to add a bit of scoreboard pressure as well. We were able to do that really early on which set us up.”

The intensity level and physicality during the opening half was described as “finals-like” during the MCG encounter, no doubt a pre-emptive approach from both sides according to Reid.

Reid, who finished with a game-high nine marks and two goals, revealed the approach was no different to any other game this season.

“It might have looked like we upped the ante more on Saturday night - I think due to the occasion and who we were playing,” Reid said.

“It’s not the only game this season we’ve gone in with the mindset of going after teams and applying pressure from the start.”

Another key to earning the four points was quelling the impact of Hawks midfielder Sam Mitchell.

Mitchell had 29 disposals to three-quarter-time and looked a class above in the Hawks’ comeback in the third quarter, collecting 12 touches as the hosts hit the front in the latter stages of the term.

Billed as a potential match-up during the week was the possibility young Tom Mitchell could go to the opposition captain.

It took until the final stanza for the inspired move to be made with the 21-year-old Swan restricting Mitchell to just three touches in the final term.

“It’s something Tom has really added to his game - it’s why he’s been able to cement a spot in the side this year,” Reid added.

“We know he can win the ball and he’s good for 25-30 touches a game on a standard night but to shut someone down, like keeping Sam Mitchell to three touches in a quarter, goes a long way to us winning.”