In the absence of Lance Franklin, who was a late withdrawal from the match with knee soreness, the Swans led at every change to post their fourteenth win of the season in front of more than 36,000 fans.
A strong opening term set up the match for the Swans, booting five goals with the breeze to the Bombers’ one goal to hold a 26-point lead at the first break.
The visitors made a charge in the second half, kicking the opening three goals of the third quarter to come within ten points of the Swans, before Kurt Tippett and Ben McGlynn hit the scoreboard to stretch out the lead.
Luke Parker was exceptional in the win, picking up a career-high 35 possessions, while ruckman Mike Pyle played one his best games of the year, dominating the hit-outs with 48 for the match.
While Franklin was out of the side, the Swans still boasted plenty of firepower with Tippett, McGlynn and Adam Goodes all contributing two goals each.
"It was good to win," Swans coach Longmire said after the match.
"We got off to a good start in the first quarter and thought our pressure was pretty good.
"Conditions were pretty tough, it was pretty windy, so it was about getting the result. We persisted long enough to do that."
Sydney Swans 5.3 7.8 9.8 11.13 (79)
Essendon 1.1 3.4 6.6 8.9 (57)
Best: Parker, Pyke, McGlynn, McVeigh, Grundy, Rampe, Cunningham00
Goals: Tippett 2, Goodes 2, McGlynn 2, McVeigh, Rohan, Pyke, Kennedy, Reid
Official crowd: 36,804 at the SCG
Brownlow Medal votes: 3 - L.Parker (Syd), 2 – B.McGlynn (Syd), 1 – M.Hurley (Ess)
Bob Skilton Medal votes: Luke Parker 45, Ben McGlynn 40, Heath Grundy 40, Jarrad McVeigh 38, Josh Kennedy 35
