The Sydney Swans reserves have rounded out their pre-season preparations with another solid win, this time coming from behind to record a 96-point victory against GWS Giants, 23.16 (154) to 8.10 (58).

After a congested start to the game, the Giants burst out of the blocks to score the first four goals of the game, with all of them coming after long transitions from the GWS defence, into an open forward line, and shots from outside 40 metres. Giants forward Ben Casley was causing all types of problems for the Swans defence with three goals in the opening term.

From there though the Swans back six really stood up, restricting GWS to four of the last 27 goals, while starting numerous attacks themselves. Lewis Johnston floated across halfback and cut off the Giants avenue to goal, while his partner in crime Alex Johnson was impressive on the last line of defence before moving up the ground in a roaming role in the second half.

Jed Lamb sparked the attack into life, scoring the Swans first goal of the game late in the first quarter after the team scored seven successive behinds. He then turned provider minutes later to Kane Murphy who goaled from 45 metres out after the siren. Lamb kicked five more goals for the match - one in the third, and four in the final quarter - to finish as the leading goalkicker for the match.

Mike Pyke took the game away from the Giants in the second quarter, with the big Canadian bobbing up to kick three successive goals in a ten minute burst. His first came tight in on the boundary after his defensive pressure lead to a deliberate out-of-bounds call against GWS. He then got on the end of some nice Swans build-up play, marking deep in attacking and calmly converting both set-shots. Ben Haren was switched to attack with great effect, also finishing the game with three goals.

In his first appearance for the year, Swans defender Tadhg Kennelly rotated on-and-off the bench and generated plenty of drive, especially in the last three quarters. Last week’s senior players, Mark Seaby and Byron Sumner did some nice things and each scored a goal, while Seaby’s tap work around the ground gave the Swans midfield first use of possession for the bulk of the match.

The Swans reserves will play their opening match of the NEAFL season next Sunday against Eastlake at Ainslie Oval, starting at 12.30pm.