NEAFL coach Rhyce Shaw has commended his players for hanging tough and grinding out a strong win in Saturday’s clash against GWS.

The Swans trailed by 31 points at the halfway stage of the third quarter before booting 11 of the last 14 goals to overrun last year’s minor premiers, winning 17.13 (115) to 14.13 (97).

After going toe-to-toe in the opening half, the Giants threatened to take the game away from Shaw’s men with a third quarter burst of four-straight goals.

Then something clicked.

The Swans bounced back with four of their own to finish the quarter before slamming on seven goals to three in the final term to storm home at Blacktown International Sportspark.

It was the second time in as many weeks the NEAFL Swans have piled on seven goals in the final quarter.

And it could not have come at a better time with Saturday’s gutsy effort handing them their first win against GWS since Round 20, 2014.

“We probably didn’t play our best footy in the first half, a tale of two halves in the end,” Shaw said.

“We started to get going in the second. We put some more pressure on the opposition and things started to turn around from that.”

James Rose (20 disposals and four goals) was important in the win, providing a spark up forward and through the midfield just when the team needed one.

Brandon Jack (three goals) and Dean Towers (25 disposals, one goal) did their chances of a senior recall no harm while Aliir Aliir (17 disposals, five marks) was dominant across half-back.

Meanwhile, Colin O’Riordan’s progression continues to amaze his coach following his 20 disposals and a goal.

“He is one bloke who’s getting better each time he runs out onto the field. He was definitely one of our best on Saturday,” Shaw added.

“Saying that, a few individuals changed the momentum a bit but when everyone got on board we were hard to stop.

“We had contributors all across the board.”

Shaw and his charges will now focus on the trip to Brisbane for Saturday’s third-round clash with Redland.

It will be the Swans’ second interstate trip in three weeks as they aim to keep their undefeated streak intact.

Final Score

Sydney    3.4  6.6  10.10  17.13  (115)
GWS        3.3  7.5  11.10  14.13   (97)

Goals - Rose 4, B. Jack 3, Reinhard 2, Hebron, Dawson, Veale, Marsh, McFadden, Murray, O’Riordan, Towers.
Best - O’Riordan, Aliir, Marsh, Hebron, Rose, Newman