The Sydney Swans moved into outright first position on the AFL ladder following a 28-point win over the West Coast Eagles in torrential conditions at Patersons Stadium.

The win, which was the club’s eleventh consecutive victory, began in frustrating fashion, with the Swans unable to capitalise on their scoring opportunities.

While the game was almost exclusively played in the Swans forward half in the second term, the club kicked seven consecutive behinds to go into half time with just a 13-point lead.

The match was an arm-wrestle in the second half, with the Eagles coming within five points of the Swans in the third term, before the Swans booted the opening three goals of the final quarter to seal the match.

The Swans midfield relished the wet conditions, with Luke Parker (33 disposals, 22 that were contested, two goals in a best on ground display) and Ben McGlynn (27 disposals, five tackles, two goals) regularly getting their hands on the ball.

The match also saw Adam Goodes become the AFL games record holder for an Indigenous player, which he celebrated with three goals in his 341st career match – a vital contribution given Kurt Tippett’s late withdrawal from the match and Lance Franklin being well held by Eric Mackenzie.
Speaking after the win, John Longmire said he was happy with his team’s effort in tough conditions.

"The contested possessions and the tackles were right up there from both teams, so I thought our intensity over the four quarters was pretty good," he said.

"They challenged us in the third quarter and we withstood that, and went on again in the last. It was really pleasing coming over here and playing a team that has been in pretty good form."

West Coast Eagles   2.2        4.5       6.7       7.9 (51)                  
Sydney Swans           3.4      5.12     7.14   10.19 (79)

Best: McGlynn, Parker, Kennedy, McVeigh, Jetta, Bird, Malceski

Goals: Goodes 3, Parker 2, McGlynn 2, Rampe, Reid, Franklin

Brownlow Medal votes: 3 - L.Parker (Syd), 2 – B.McGlynn (Syd), 1 – M.Priddis (WCE)

Bob Skilton Medal votes: Luke Parker 50, Ted Richards 45, Ben McGlynn 41, Nick Smith 40, Craig Bird 40