The Swans have fired a warning to the rest of the AFL competition, delivering a 19-point upset victory over the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.

The 11.13 (79) to 8.12 (60) triumph moves the side just one win away from the top-four in what is an already congested premiership race.

Swift ball movement and boot accuracy helped the Swans overpower their more fancied opponent, as the Dogs struggled to capitalise on their 52-47 inside 50 advantage.

The Dogs had the perfect start with a goal from outside 50m within the opening 18 seconds, before Dawson replied with two majors of his own as the Swans opened up a narrow six-point advantage at the first break.

Alex Keath restricted Lance Franklin but it didn’t stop the points flowing as the Swans pushed ahead to take an 11-point lead at the main break.

Issac Heeney (17 touches and a goal) snapped a beauty to get the Swans rolling in the third and, when Luke Parker (27 disposals and a goal) pounced on a loose ball to kick truly late in the term, the margin was 20 at the final break.

Lewis Young gave the Dogs some hope in the final term, but Hayward marked strongly and converted his second goal with ease to help steady the Swans to victory.

Sydney coach John Longmire revealed he had a trio of former club champions speak with his players prior to the Dogs clash and that worked wonders as the Swans won for the 10th time this campaign.

"We had Bobby Skilton, Peter Bedford and Leo Barry in yesterday... we recognise our South Melbourne heritage so from that aspect it was a real good performance," Longmire said.

"It was fantastic. You've got to be right on your game to beat the Doggies and (injured forward Aaron) Naughton is a good player, but you still have to play well against them.

"It was a real well-balanced game, good game of footy, good contest, a combination of smart and hard and we had an even contribution, so it was a terrific win."

Celebrations were however dampened by the news of an escalating Covid situation in New South Wales that has the club remaining in Melbourne with no end date in sight.

While Longmire remains hopeful that players will be reunited with family members in Melbourne as soon as this week, he is making plans should that outcome be unachievable.

"We will take it day by day and we will do what we can, as every story is different.

"We will support everyone how we need to as everyone has different challenges and it is staff as well.

"Players and staff will be supported as much as they can be, every example we need to work through we will work through and everything on an individual basis."