Miserable conditions failed to rain on the Swans’ parade during the NEAFL curtain-closer at the SCG with a dominant second half setting up a 41-point victory over Sydney Uni.

The fourth round clash, initially penned as a curtain-raiser to seniors’ meeting with the Western Bulldogs, was moved to the later timeslot due to forecast with some loyal fans braving heavy rain to stay behind and witness the 10.9 (69) to 3.10 (28) win.

In a low scoring and scrappy affair the visitors applied plenty of pressure early to establish an 11-point lead at half-time, ruing missed opportunities after converting only three of 12 scoring shots in the first and second terms.

A rev up during the major break spurred the home side into action, the Swans booting eight unanswered goals in the second half to claim win number three for the season and consolidate third spot on the ladder behind Aspley and fifth round opponents UWS Giants.

There was a shower of a different kind for first-gamer Nic Newman. The 22-year-old, who made a successful return from a knee injury, was drenched with Gatorade in the middle of the circle as the side belted out the song post-match.

Speaking to sydneyswans.com.au, ruckman Sam Naismith spoke highly of Newman who, playing in the third and fourth quarters on managed game time, finished the match unscathed and with a goal to his name.

“It’s always great to get your first game at a new club, for Nic it’s no different,” Naismith said.

“All the boys got around him, he’s a great bloke to have around the club and it’s great to see him get a win especially spending a fair bit of time off the track.”

Senior-listed midfielder Jack Hiscox (two goals) topped a list of nine goal-kickers for the Swans. Ben McGlynn, Brandon Jack, George Hewett and James Rose were among those with Rose’s goal – from long range right on the boundary line – encapsulating the Swans’ second half dominance.

In the absence of leading possession winner Tom Mitchell and amid conditions which tested disposal efficiency and patience, Jack and Hewett spearheaded the Swans’ midfield while Harry Marsh and Abaina Davis were sound in defence.

Naismith, who shared the ruck duties with Toby Nankervis, said a collective effort right across the board was the catalyst behind the win.

“We were a little bit flat in the first half, voices were down and we weren’t playing Swans football,” he said.

“We knew something had to be done. After half-time our voices and enthusiasm lifted, we had a genuine crack and were able to turn the tide and come home strong.

“Everyone playing their role was crucial.”

The Swans head to Spotless Stadium on Saturday to take on the UWS Giants in what will be the clubs’ second encounter this season.

On the back of strong consecutive performances, Swans development coach Jared Crouch urged his playing group to apply what has been learnt in the past fortnight with the aim of turning the tables on the Giants who walked away with a 63-point win in the third round encounter.

Summary

Swans                         1.1       2.4       9.6       10.9    (69)
Sydney Uni                 2.3       3.9       3.9       3.10    (28)

Swans Goals: Hiscox 2, Nankervis, Hewett, Newman, Foote, Rose, Campbell, B Jack, McGlynn
Swans Best:
Marsh, Davis, Nankervis, Jones, B Jack, Hewett