In a match that saw the home side notch up an incredible 102 tackles, it was clear the pressure and intent had returned for the Swans, who came away with an important 17-point win over the Dockers.
The Swans’ pressure was spread right across the board, with Josh Kennedy (38 touches, three tackles), Dan Hannebery (29 touches, 10 tackles), Ben McGlynn (24 touches, 10 marks, 12 tackles) and Kieren Jack (20 touches, nine tackles) all made strong contributions to the win.
Dane Rampe (22 possessions, eight one per-centers) had his best game of the season to date in defence, while Rhyce Shaw’s run and delivery was also important for the Swans.
After his slow start to the season, Lance Franklin demonstrated why he was such a dangerous player, with the forward slotting four second-half goals to help the Swans to their second win of the season.
Following the Swans’ best team performance, coach John Longmire said he was thrilled with his team’s ability to maintain their pressure across the game.
“The main thing was the intensity for four quarters," he said.
"We had 100 tackles, we had 30-odd more groundballs, our effort and intensity was outstanding.
"When we get it right we play good footy. Our challenge now is to do it next week."
Sydney Swans 2.1 5.7 11.10 13.13 (92)
Fremantle 2.2 2.4 8.6 11.9 (75)
Best: Kennedy, Rampe, McGlynn, Hannebery, Parker, Richards, Shaw
Goals: Franklin 4, McGlynn 2, Malceski, Kennedy, McVeigh, Roberts-Thomson, Parker, B.Jack, Jetta
Official crowd: 25,376 at the SCG
Brownlow Medal votes: 3 - J.Kennedy (Syd), 2 - B.McGlynn (Syd), 1 – N.Fyfe (Fre)
Bob Skilton Medal votes: Josh Kennedy 41, Ben McGlynn 40, Dane Rampe 40, Kieren Jack 36, Jarrad McVeigh 36.
