A scintillating three-goal final term from Lance Franklin almost delivered the Swans a remarkable comeback victory at Adelaide Oval, but Port Adelaide held on to clinch a 10-point victory.

Swans coach John Longmire said he was proud of the effort from his players, considering the team was forced to quickly flee Sydney on Tuesday and live under tight restrictions at a Melbourne hotel before the clash.

“We did a fair bit right, we had more inside 50’s, we probably didn’t capitalise enough on that second quarter and to their [Port Adelaide] credit they had some really good pressure around the footy.

"I thought we showed great character. After a long day, to come out and have a real crack at it in the last term and hit the front – it would have been great to be able to hang on, but to their credit they did good.”

Longmire credited his senior players for maintaining the groups game day focus after they were forced to isolate for several hours in the lead up to the clash.  

“We’re really fortunate we have a good, experienced leadership group and I thought that shone through tonight just focusing on what we can control. It’s an old saying but it’s absolutely relevant in these times," Longmire said.

"I was really pleased with our players intent to keep their focus on the task at hand, it was terrific and while we didn’t get the job done in the end we’ll keep on having a crack and that’s all you can ask of your playing group.

"No matter what hurdles are thrown up, you just keep stepping over them and taking it in your stride.”

Will Hayward was handed the challenge of matching up against good friend and former Swan Aliir Aliir. The 22-year-old impressed by outmanoeuvring the electric defender to boot two goals, while Allir only managed his first intercept mark in the final 3 minutes of the clash against Franklin.

“We’re obviously aware what kind of player Aliir is, he’s a dangerous intercept marker. Part of Hayward's role was to reduce to influence of Aliir in the air and he did a good job there and it gave us a chance right to the end to win it.”

Longmire says his side is expecting to spend an extended stint away from home due to New South Wales’ latest COVID-19 outbreak, but is well equipped to handle the challenge following a gallant performance against Port Adelaide on Saturday.

"We only got a couple of hours’ notice on Tuesday that we were out, many players and staff didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to their family … we were locked down for the whole week," Longmire said.

"I thought our boys handled it really well … it’s a real credit to them the way they came out and started the game and kept pushing and hit the front in the last quarter.

"It was a terrific effort to do that."

The New South Wales government on Saturday announced that the Greater Sydney area and some surrounds would be in lockdown until 11.59pm on Friday July 9.

Given the announcement, Longmire said he was expecting his players to stay living away from home until at least that date – with Sydney’s match next Sunday against West Coast already moved to GMHBA Stadium.

"You wouldn't imagine we would be back before that date," he said.

"We’ll do what we need to do to prepare as best we can and train. And we’ll make sure we do our best for the competition as well.

"That’s really important, there’s been a few clubs that have had those challenges this year, and it’s ours to do now."