The NEAFL Swans sweltered in the Northern Territory heat by 53 points on Saturday night.
Always an extremely difficult road trip, the Swans were gallant but ultimately fell to a superior NT Thunder at the TIO Stadium cauldron - 15.7 (97) to 6.8 (44).
After matching the hosts in the opening two quarters and to trail by only 16 points at half-time, the Swans fell away in the second half to kick three goals to Thunder's nine to succumb to a fifth loss of the season.
The win continues NT Thunder's home ground dominance having only lost at TIO Stadium one in the past two seasons.
Lloyd Perris and Nic Newman were the men to lead the Swans' charge, with the match proving a positive in Perris' road back to continuity after a prolonged stint on the sidelines.

It was Perris’ third game back and was all class, while teammate Newman’s penetrating left foot was a feature especially in front of goal.

Newman chipped in as did Sean McLaren, the only two senior listed Swans to hit the scoreboard, with the side’s Academy recruits also working well up forward.

Tom Derickx, Aliir Aliir, James Rose and Abe Davis were also solid in a relatively disappointing night in the NT.

The Swans will refocus ahead of Saturday’s Round 17 clash with Brisbane at the SCG.

Stay tuned as sydneyswans.com.au provide a NEAFL update during the week.