A six-goal haul from Toby Nankervis propelled the NEAFL Swans to a 142-point win over Canberra Demons on Saturday, banking the red and white their seventh-straight victory of the season.
The unbeaten Swans, coached by stand-in Nick Davis in the absence of Rhyce Shaw, burst out of the blocks and never looked back to record the resounding 26.14 (170) to 4.4 (28) at Manuka Oval.
Nankervis left the rucking duties to Sam Naismith and Tom Derickx and played predominately forward, providing a focal point (10 marks and six inside 50s) throughout the afternoon, especially in the third quarter when the visitors put the game beyond doubt.
The 199cm big man booted three of the Swans’ seven goals for the term to extend their 54-point half-time margin to 91 points by the final change, before another eight goals were added to the score line.
Meanwhile, the Demons could only muster 1.2 after the long break.
Davis said it was his side's ability to adapt to Canberra's game style which was the most pleasing aspect of the win.
“They play a pretty distinct brand of running, uncontested footy and our guys, particularly in the second half were able to get back to what we do best which is hard contested footy, stem the tide and run away with a good victory," he said.
“Our boys were presented with some challenges on the weekend and a few really stepped up and put their hand up."
Nic Newman (30 disposals, one goal) and Jordan Foote (24 disposals, one goal) were two of those, the Swans' best ball winners on the day.
Nankervis, Naismith (three goals) and QBE Sydney Swans Academy top-up Ned Reinhard (three goals) topped a list of 14 players who hit the scoreboard for the victors.
Harry Marsh (18 disposals), Colin O'Riordan (18) and Aliir Aliir (17) and Lewis Melican (12) continued to fly the flag for the defenders.
“Our whole back six has been really this year and were a standout again," Davis added.
The NEAFL Swans have the bye this weekend, a well-earned break ahead of next week’s showdown with third-placed Sydney University.
The Round 9 encounter is scheduled as a curtain-raiser to the AFL Indigenous Round clash between Sydney Swans v North Melbourne at the SCG.
SYDNEY 6.5 11.8 19.10 26.14 (170)
CANBERRA 1.1 3.2 4.3 4.4 (28)
GOALS – Sydney: T Nankervis 6, N Reinhard, S Naismith 3, M Wilson, T Derickx 2, N Newman, H Carr, C McFadden, W Gowers, H Marsh, L Skrivanic, J Foote, N Cooper, C O’Riordan. Canberra: J Baker, A Bruce, D O’Connell, S Martyn.
BEST – Sydney: J Foote, N Newman, T Nankervis, C O’Riordan, T Derickx, L Melican. Canberra: S Martyn, S Askew, C Bernasconi, D O’Connell, N Collins.
