VFL coach Jeremy Laidler hopes his side will take confidence out of their performance against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday, despite conceding a fourth quarter lead that saw the ladder-leaders kick a last-gasp match-winner.
The Swans burst out of the blocks in the opening exchanges, dominating proceedings to race out to a 42-6 advantage at the end of the first term. A seemingly unassailable lead was to no avail, however, as the Bulldogs clawed their way back to record a 11.18 (84) to 11.11 (77) victory.
Laidler lauded the enthusiasm of the playing squad - which saw the return of a host of their stars including Sam Reid and Logan McDonald, after they arrived from Sydney having recently got out of isolation due t0 the COVID-19 outbreak.
"It was a really good challenge for our boys - playing against the top side who were undefeated on their home deck," he said.
"I was just really pleased with our attitude and the way we went into the game. I guess we didn't get the result we were after but we stuck together and battled through the whole game.
"A lot of things didn't go our way, but we just got on with it and didn't complain, we just got on with it.
"It's just pleasing to have a whole group back together as well - we have that continuity and the gelling of the group. The energy and the vibes were unbelievable. It added a little bit more to the game."
While it was another disappointing result for the Swans despite their valiant efforts to return to the winner's circle, the game was highlighted by the welcome return of McDonald, who produced a menacing performance up forward to kick four goals.
Laidler praised McDonald's efforts while also crediting the consistency of some of his AFL listed players who have stood up in the face of adversity in recent weeks.
"Logan McDonald's work rate was through the roof and he got rewarded with four goals and probably should have kicked a lot more," he said.
"But he presented all day, and it was really pleasing to see.
"I suppose you look at guys in the midfield liked Callum Sinclair, Dylan Stephens and Ryan Clarke who have played some really consistent games without all their team-mates, and then you throw in Sam Gray, Marc Sheather and Ben Ronke in there and it adds a huge difference.
“James Rowbottom played three quarters and had a really consistent game. He went from contest to contest with his power and provided great leadership.
"They all work together and they play their role really well and they each had moments in the game where they stood up when they needed to."
2. Kaiden Brand
18 disposals, nine marks
3. Dylan Stephens
21 disposals, one goal
4. Ryan Clarke
32 disposals, seven tackles, seven clearances
6. Logan McDonald
18 disposals, 14 marks, four goals
8. James Rowbottom
22 disposals, three marks, seven tackles
15. Sam Gray
25 disposals, four tackles, nine clearances
18. Callum Sinclair
21 disposals, one goal, 12 clearances, 26 hit outs
20. Sam Reid
Four disposals, two tackles
25. Ben Ronke
16 disposals, one goal, two tackles
33. Marc Sheather
16 disposals, three marks, four tackles
35. Barry O'Connor
Nine disposals, four marks
40. Malachy Carruthers
22 disposals
41. Hayden McLean
12 disposals, six marks
43. Logan Young
14 disposals, four marks, one goal
50. Angus Anderson
Six disposals, three tackles
51. Patty McCartin
27 disposals, 11 marks
53. Pierce Roseby
10 disposals, three tackles
54. Reed van Huisstede
Eight disposals
55. Sam Clohesy
Eight disposals
57. Josh Guthrie
14 disposals
60. Lachlan McAndrew
Seven disposals, five marks
63. Will Mayhood
Seven disposals
