Sydney Swans reserves coach Henry Playfair has told how reverting to one-on-one football after quarter time saw his side go from a six-point lead at the first change, to eventually run out 111-point victors over Tuggeranong on Friday afternoon.

Playfair said he made the change to the game plan after Tuggeranong loaded extra numbers into the Swans forward line, restricting his side to just the one Lewis Roberts-Thomson goal in the first quarter.

“Tuggeranong actually pushed a few numbers back into our forward line which we struggled to deal with a little bit in the first quarter,” Playfair told sydneyswans.com.au. “We kept kicking it straight back to their numbers which made it hard for us to score.

“After quarter time we adjusted a few things, went a little bit more one-on-one, and were able to get some quality entries and some more shots on goal.”

While Trent Dennis-Lane led all scorers on the park with five goals, Playfair said that the goals were appreciated, but there are still areas of his game that can be improved.

“He was ok - probably the five goals flatters his game a little bit,” he said.

“He’s certainly a natural forward and knows how to kick goals, which is his big strength, but we’re still working on his forward pressure and his tackling, and that’s what we’re looking for him to improve.”

Playfair was pleased with the way his midfield was able to control the game, with senior coach John Longmire suggesting yesterday that Kieren Jack’s replacement could come from within the reserves ranks.

“Luke played a half, and Nathan Gordon’s been pretty consistent all year, so he played well again. Dylan McNeil was in there, he had twelve tackles which was pleasing,” Playfair said.

“Seaby dominated the ruck all day and gave as first use which was good, and overall they worked pretty well as a unit.”

Lewis Johnston again put in another impressive shift, and received good support in the backline from Irish rookie Chris McKaigue.

“Chrissy (McKaigue) really valued playing one-on-one footy and beating his opponent,” Playfair said.

“(Johnston)’s been pretty good all year. I think he had seven spoils on the weekend, he’s been playing a really defensive role, but he’s equally adept at setting us up out of defence as well - he’s a superb kick.

“He’s just got to keep improving his game slowly and keep putting up those sort of performances and that will hold him in good stead.”

The Sydney Swans reserves will play against GWS at Manuka Oval this Saturday as a curtain-raiser to the seniors game against the Western Bulldogs, with Playfair excited about going up against the new Club for the first time for competition points. 

“Ten past nine kick-off (this Saturday), so we’re out there early. Obviously great to get another opportunity against GWS, they’ve got some great young kids and will certainly be as fit as us, so it will be a test for us. The boys are really looking forward to it."