TOP SPOT on the ladder means little to Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, who is viewing next week's trip to Perth to face West Coast as a litmus test of his side's potential.

The Swans never really needed to find top gear to beat the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night, taking the lead late in the first quarter and never letting up en route to a 16.14 (110) to 9.9 (63) triumph.

It takes Longmire's squad to 11-3 for the year and ahead of the Eagles on percentage, with West Coast squeezing past North Melbourne by two points earlier on Saturday.

With West Coast, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong still on the agenda, Longmire isn't getting carried away with the Swans' lofty position.

"They [West Coast] had a win today obviously as well and it's a solid road trip [to Patersons Stadium]," he said.

"We've had some good wins there and some disappointing times there as well.

"We look forward to the opportunity of getting over there and playing one of the top teams in the competition.

"If you sit back and look at the ladder at the moment it doesn't mean a lot. No one remembers who's first after 14 or 15 rounds.

"We've got some really tough games coming up, starting with the Eagles in Perth.

"We need to keep improving to be competitive with some of the best teams in the competition and next week is a good time to do that.

"West Coast Eagles are a great football team."

Sam Reid kicked a career-high six goals for the Swans against the Lions, with co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Adam Goodes both showing terrific signs as the season builds towards September.

But the Swans also demonstrated their depth, with Nick Malceski - a late call-up for Marty Mattner (groin) - slotting in beautifully to be one of their best players with 29 possessions and six marks.

With Luke Parker also returning via the reserves following a shoulder problem, Longmire is facing some welcome headaches at the selection table.

"It's a real credit to him," Longmire said of Malceski's form.

"We thought Marty was fine to play but he pulled up a bit sore yesterday and Malceski was able to slot straight in and fill that role well.

"That's been the story for a fair few weeks; whether it's for Adam Goodes or Shane Mumford or Marty Mattner today, players have come in and played a role and know what their role is and carry it out.

"That's what you have to do to be competitive."

James Dampney covers Sydney AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD