The Suns' Gary Ablett and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library
- Swans 17.12 (114) Suns 11.7 (73)
THE Sydney Swans are still in second gear.
It may not look that way after a 41-point win against the Gold Coast Suns and a 2-0 start to the season, but co-captain Jarrad McVeigh isn't entirely happy.
In wet and difficult conditions, Sydney only took control in the last quarter when they outscored the Suns six goals to three.
"We're just going at the moment," McVeigh said. "It will step up again next week."
It was a long way from the style of football which won the premiership last year, but the hard-fought win has the Swans exactly where they want to be at the start to the season.
AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library
Coach John Longmire could see plenty of positives in the patchy performance.
"I think we are just going in parts," Longmire said.
"I think that's the challenge, I think we're showing in quarters that we are really playing well. What we're doing is not putting it together for four quarters."
Another encouraging sign for Longmire was the form of his leadership pairing of McVeigh and Kieren Jack.
Live HQ: Sydney v Gold Coast
McVeigh led the way with a polished four-goal performance in slippery conditions.
"It was really pleasing to see that in last 10 minutes the pressure really lifted when the game was there to be won," McVeigh said.
"I was really proud of that effort and we have to continue that on and take it up another level next week against North Melbourne.
"We're ready for it."
For Jack, this game was about his outstanding defensive abilities, which were on show as he and defender Nick Smith combined to hold the AFL's best player Gary Ablett to 24 possessions and no goals.
For most ordinary players, 24 disposals would be more than satisfactory, but for Ablett they are well below his usual output and is a tribute to the Swans' pressure.
Last week, the Suns spearhead booted four goals and picked up 34 possessions in the win over St Kilda.
AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library
Longmire praised Jack's commitment when he dragged Ablett down in a tackle in the dying minutes of the match after sprinting 30m to catch him despite the the result being well and truly settled.
Jack and McVeigh had plenty of mates in the hard-working Swans midfield.
Josh Kennedy and Ryan O'Keefe were again outstanding along with Luke Parker, who looks more and more like the new Jude Bolton as he revelled in the wet.
Dan Hannebery was again strong, as was ruckman Mike Pyke who has started the new season where he left off from in the grand final.
Pyke provided a real target in front of goal, holding his marks and kicking truly. He also won 35 hit outs around the ground.
The win came on the day the Swans unfurled their premiership flag to the red and white faithful even though a wet day at the SCG restricted the crowd to 20,372.
The result was a significant improvement on the last time the Swans held the same ceremony in 2006 and went on to lose to Port Adelaide by 26 points.
The Swans travel to Tasmania next to face the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena next Saturday afternoon, while the Suns host Brisbane on Saturday night.
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