Richmond travelled to the SCG full of confidence on the verge of their first finals appearance in 12 years, but they got a lesson from the reigning premiers in two-way running and transition football.
Despite not much separating the two teams at half-time, the Swans produced an emphatic second half, largely off the back of key forwards Kurt Tippett and Jesse White, who kicked seven goals between them.
The Swans kicked eight goals to three after the main break as the midfield started to get on top of the contest and make full use of Shane Mumford’s excellent ruck work.
Kieren Jack was at his brilliant best gathering 26 disposals and 2 goals while Ryan O’Keefe (30 touches) and youngster Tom Mitchell (26 possessions, 2 goals) were also instrumental in the win.
Coach John Longmire was particularly impressed with the team’s performance.
“It was a really strong four-quarter effort by everyone in the team," he said.
Sydney Swans 5.3 8.7 13.10 16.14 (110)
Richmond 5.3 6.4 8.7 9.9 (63)
GOALS: White 4, Tippett 3, Mitchell 2, K. Jack 2, Lamb, B. Jack, Pyke, Smith, Bolton
CLUB CHAMPION VOTES: Kieren Jack 46, Shane Mumford 44, Jesse White 40
CROWD: 29,738 at SCG
LADDER POSITION: Third
Round 19 v Western Bulldogs
The Western Bulldogs headed into the game in arguably their best form all season after strong performances against West Coast and Hawthorn.
Although the Swans led at every change, the match was certainly not one-way as the young Bulldogs side threw everything at the reigning premiers.
After kicking the opening two goals of the match through Tom Campbell, the Swans responded with key forward Kurt Tippett dominating the contest to finish the match with six goals.
Three late goals in the third quarter all but sealed the 35-point victory, but the young Dogs kept fighting all the way to the end.
Veteran defender Rhyce Shaw started as the substitute in his first match since round 2 after overcoming an abdominal injury and got through the match unscathed.
It was the Swans’ sixth win in a row and moved the team into second place on the AFL ladder, half a game off ladder-leaders Hawthorn.
Sydney Swans 5.1 10.3 15.6 21.8 (134)
Western Bulldogs 4.1 7.3 11.4 15.9 (99)
GOALS: Tippett 6, Lamb 2, Bird 2, Bolton 2, K. Jack 2, Parker, Mumford, O'Keefe, White, Grundy, Mumford, B. Jack
CLUB CHAMPION VOTES: Kurt Tippett 45, Kieren Jack 45, Shane Mumford 40
CROWD: 22,647 at Etihad Stadium
LADDER POSITION: Second
