Sydney’s pressure around the ball and clean use of the ball were to blame for a disappointing loss to West Coast on Saturday afternoon according to forward Isaac Heeney.

The Swans started the match well against the Eagles with a three goal first quarter getting the side off to a perfect start.

Heeney said it was a drop-in intensity after quarter time that led to the 34-point loss to the Eagles.

“The first quarter we started alright, we moved the ball well and our pressure was up and about,” Heeney said.

“It was a good start, but we dropped away in the end and I think our kick to handball ratio was a bit out, we had more handball then kick.

“We put ourselves under pressure and we missed some simple targets in the end, so we have to go away and work that out.”

Heeney said his teammates showed some good signs during the first half but could not maintain that level for the entire game.

“The ball movement was good (in the first half), we hit our targets, we were clean, and we were hard over the footy which is the way we wanted to play,” he said.

“Into the second half we didn’t play the way we wanted to and put ourselves under silly pressure with handballs that were unnecessary and that is what cost us in the end.”

As Sydney turn their attention to Sunday’s match against Richmond at the Gabba they will be looking to take some of that first quarter form into the match.

“Richmond are a quality side who move the ball pretty quickly so we need to make sure that our pressure is going to be on,” Heeney said.

“We need to make sure we close that gap because they are another quality side.

“We need to look at what we did well in the first quarter and then bring that for the four quarters next week so that will be the biggest thing.”