On-baller Tom Mitchell believes Thursday night’s gutsy win against Port Adelaide was driven by the Swans’ leaders.

Just days after co-captain Jarrad McVeigh blamed a lack of leadership for the Round 13 loss to Richmond, McVeigh himself was praised by Mitchell following the Swans’ 10-point triumph at the SCG.

Two down after injuries to Gary Rohan (hamstring) and Ted Richards (concussion), the likes of McVeigh and co-captain Kieren Jack stood up to help an undermanned Swans withstand a second half fightback from the visitors.

“I think it started with the leaders,” Mitchell told SwansTV in the rooms post-match.

“Jarrad McVeigh, Kieren Jack, Rhyce Shaw and Adam Goodes – the list goes on and everyone jumped on board from there.”

The Swans’ 11-point lead at half-time was quickly overcome after Port Adelaide kicked the first two goals of the third term.

Already without Rohan, who came off in the second quarter with a hamstring injury, and twin towers in Lance Franklin and Kurt Tippett (both suspended), the Swans had to then make do without key defender Ted Richards after the veteran was knocked out from a Jay Schultz tackle.

Down to only two players on the bench, the Swans responded to kick four consecutive goals to end the third quarter and put the game beyond Port Adelaide’s reach.

“We knew once those guys went down everyone left had to fight even harder,” Mitchell added.

“That third quarter we felt they were coming so we all had to lift. The game was always going to be a tough tussle as Port Adelaide is still a quality team.

“We had to fight right until the end…it was really pleasing we were able to do that and respond after last week’s loss.”

Mitchell gathered 22 disposals, four clearances and laid a game-high nine tackles playing a predominately shutdown role on Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak.