Somewhat surprisingly given his first three successful years at the helm, Swans coach John Longmire was being placed under pressure by some sections of the media leading up to the game. Staring down the barrel of a possible 1-4 start, the 2012 premiership-winning coach's charges responded in the best possible way, knocking off a heavily favoured rival. It was stirring stuff from the Swans, using sheer will alone early on before finding some real confidence and marching to a 17-point win, with games against Melbourne and the Brisbane Lions up next.

 

Lance Franklin was virtually a mirror image of the Swans' effort across the match, putting in plenty of grunt work early, but guilty of some poor ball use. He gradually lifted as his side did the same, hitting the post on the run before finding Josh Kennedy in space for an important second-quarter goal. He then burst into life in the all-important third term, kicking three goals to help his side to a match-winning lead. He added a fourth in the final term to silence the critics – for another week at least.

 

Skipper Matthew Pavlich holds virtually every record in the Fremantle books, including most games (296), most goals (595) and most games as captain. On Saturday he brought up another outstanding milestone, leading the Dockers out for the 150th time. He responded by taking nine marks and kicking four goals, but wasn't able to drag his side over the line this time. If he stays fit, however, the 32-year-old will also become the first Docker to reach 300 games in the next month.

 

Leigh Matthews caused a stir earlier this month when he declared Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands "the most overrated player in footy". Getting first use of the ball via hit-outs is great, Matthews argued, but only if the Dockers then secure the clearance. The debate will only continue to rage after this game. Absolutely dominating the hit-outs with 48 to Mike Pyke's 11 and Tom Derickx's seven, the Swans still often got first use of the ball en route to victory. 

 

While the result puts the Swans right back on track, there is potentially more help to come. Kurt Tippett turned out in the reserves for his first match in seven months following knee tendonitis and responded with three goals and a number of strong marks. Provided he pulls up well, he is almost certain to line-up alongside Franklin in next week's trip to the MCG to take on Melbourne. Fellow forwards Sam Reid (Achilles) and Adam Goodes (knee) are also making progress.

 

Twitter: @AFL_JD