A strong second-half performance set up the Sydney Swans reserves for a 46-point win over the Gold Coast Suns reserves at Blacktown International Sportspark on Saturday morning.

After dropping to fourth place on the NEAFL table last week, the win keeps hopes of a top-two finish alive for the Swans, who now sit in third place and a game behind ladder leaders UWS and the NT Thunder.

After suffering a number of poor starts in recent weeks, the Swans reserves got off to a fast start against the Suns, and also managed to keep the visitors goalless in the first quarter.

In just his second match back from injury, Tom Mitchell was influential early, with the 21-year-old slotting an impressive goal from a tight angle, but also hit the post twice in the opening term.

First-year Swan Toby Nankervis was also important for the Swans at the start, with the ruckman booting a terrific snap out of congestion late in the quarter.

Following a bright start from the Swans, the Suns reserves hit back in the second, with the visitors gaining some momentum and forcing the majority of the match to be played in their forward half, which saw the Suns gain a five-point lead at the long break.

The Swans re-grouped at half-time, and came out firing in the second half, led by Tommy Walsh and Harry Marsh off the half-back line.

Walsh, Marsh and Zak Jones were all impressive in the second half, with the trio moving the ball well and setting up opportunities up forward for Nankervis and Tim Membrey, who both finished the match with two goals apiece.

With momentum on their side, the Swans outscored the Suns ten goals to four in the second half, to storm home with a strong victory.

Nankervis and Sam Naismith were solid performers, with the pair winning the majority of their respective ruck battles, despite the midfielders not always capitalising on the clearances.

In his second game back from injury, Mitchell, who played three quarters of the match, was an important player, with the 21-year-old attracting plenty of the ball and booting two goals.

The Swans reserves face a tough challenge with UWS travelling to the SCG for a curtain raiser ahead of the seniors clash with St Kilda this Saturday.

Sydney Swans reserves    2.3   3.6    7.9   13.14 (92)
Gold Coast Suns reserves 0.3   2.7   4.9      6.10 (46)

Goals: T. Nankervis 2, T. Mitchell 2, T. Membrey 2, J. Foote, L. Roberts-Thomson, B. Jack, R. O’Keefe, M. Wright, G. Hewett, D. Towers