Sydney Swans prove they are the real Goodes by crushing Bulldogs

THE Sydney Swans produced the perfect dress rehearsal for next Saturday's top of the table clash with Hawthorn at the SCG.

BRING on the Hawks - and Buddy Franklin.

The Sydney Swans produced the perfect dress rehearsal for next Saturday's top of the table clash with Hawthorn at the SCG.

And yesterday's 82-point demolition of the Western Bulldogs gives renewed hope that this Swans team is capable of rolling Hawthorn and securing a home final.

"It's a big game for us," Swans coach John Longmire said. "Playing against another team at the top of the ladder is a real challenge.

"We had a terrific battle in Launceston and this week is sure to be another."

After minor premiership contenders Collingwood and Adelaide both slipped up on Saturday night, Longmire was going to make sure there was no such repeat at Etihad Stadium.

"What happened to Collingwood and Adelaide showed us upsets can happen," Longmire said of the losses to the Kangaroos and Brisbane.

As well as boosting confidence, the game also saw a welcome return to form for co-captain Adam Goodes.

In an impressive display, he gathered 22 disposals, took 11 marks and kicked three goals.

"We were pleased with Adam's effort," Longmire said. "Importantly he contributed to others scoring opportunities."

Goodes had plenty of mates.

Stoppage dynamo Josh Kennedy was the best of a very good group. He picked up 33 possessions including eight clearances and kicked a goal.

The former Hawk is finishing the season off the same way he started it when he was one of the early favourites for the Brownlow.

Sydney again showed its tremendous depth through the midfield with Kieren Jack, Luke Parker, Ryan O'Keefe, Dan Hannebery, Jarrad McVeigh and Craig Bird all making big contributions.

Even more pleasing for the big representation of Swans in Melbourne yesterday was the goalkicking display.

Sydney had 14 players kick majors with their tall timber leading the way after Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Shane Mumford, Goodes and the surprising Mike Pyke all grabbed three goals each.

"It's great for us because it allows Adam Goodes to play as a small forward," Longmire said.

Pyke is one of the big improvers in the competition.

Yesterday, he and another former rugby player in Roberts-Thomson combined for one of the day's highlights.

Pyke showed pace that belies his stature, burning past an opponent and delivering a precision handball to Roberts-Thomson, who slotted the goal.

Pyke took four contested marks, leading the count across both sides.

"He just keeps getting better and better," Longmire said. "His ability to listen and learn is second to none."

Yesterday's win was the 16th for the season and the Swans' best result since 1996 when they won the minor premiership and went on to play in the grand final against North Melbourne.

But there was a bit of a scare, particularly early as the Bulldogs jumped out to an 18-point lead at the first break.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney sprang some early surprises with his set up.

Full-back Brian Lake started at full forward and rewarded the Dogs immediately, kicking the opening goal. Ryan Griffen was one of several big inclusions for the Bulldogs and gave Jack plenty to worry about when he picked up 16 first quarter disposals.

Longmire moved McVeigh onto the young star but had only limited effect.

"Everything upset me at quarter time," Longmire said.

The Swans kicked six unanswered goals to turn an 18 point deficit at the first break to a lead of 14 at the long change. The third-quarter reinforced why Longmire's team are atop the ladder, with the lead blowing out to 34.

There was more of the same as the Swans snuffed out any upset hopes Bulldogs fans might have had, kicking 10 goals and two behinds.

And if that isn't good enough news, veteran Jude Bolton is a real chance of making a return from a knee injury for the looming clash with Hawthorn.