In a match that saw the Swans lead at every change, young midfielder Harry Cunningham bobbed up as an unlikely leading goal-scorer, with the 20-year-old booting a career-high four goals against the Suns.
Sam Reid also stamped his authority on the match, with a goal-kicking frenzy in the third quarter, which saw him kick three goals in 10 minutes.
While the club’s young forward options stood up in the win, it was the midfield who dominated the clash, with Dan Hannebery (30 disposals, six clearances, four goal assists), Kieren Jack (31 disposals, four tackles) and Josh Kennedy (28 touches, two goals) leading the way.
Addressing the media after the win, Swans coach John Longmire said he was relieved to leave the Gold Coast with the four points.
"They're not an easy team to beat anywhere, but especially not here," he said.
"They've got their strongest team of the year.
"To beat a team who has won the same games as you, virtually at full strength, we knew it would be a bit of a challenge and they keep working the opposition to the end of the game.
"It wasn't an easy one, but in the end it was a very good win."
While the win moved the Swans into third place on the AFL table, the game brought about injury concerns for Kurt Tippett, who was subbed out of the game with knee soreness, and Ben McGlynn who suffered a head knock.
Gold Coast Suns 1.6 3.9 6.13 10.14 (74)
Sydney Swans 3.3 8.4 13.4 17.7 (109)
Best: Hannebery, Kennedy, Cunningham, McGlynn, Parker
Goals: Cunningham 4, Franklin, Reid 3, Jetta, Parker, Kennedy 2, Lloyd
Official Crowd: 21,354 at Metricon Stadium
Brownlow Medal votes: 3 - J.Kennedy (Syd), 2 – K.Jack (Syd), 1 – G.Ablett (GC)
Bob Skilton Medal votes: Dan Hannebery 39, Josh Kennedy 38, Kieren Jack 38, Harry Cunningham 38
