The Sydney Swans have upset the Brisbane Lions by 16 points to move in the top four after a hard-fought battle at South Pine Sports Complex on Saturday.

The Swans started the round in eighth but after their 7.12. (54) to 10.10. (70) victory, last year’s Grand Finalists are now demonstrating they can’t be discounted as genuine premiership contenders.

In a very contested game of football, the Swans were able to take control. The Lions were in touch for the whole game but just couldn’t get in front all day.

The game could’ve gone either way at half-time with the Swans only up by two points, but Sydney were able to establish themselves in the third and hold on in a goalless final term from both teams.

Early in the game the Swans’ inaccuracy was prominent, however the difference in the end was a strong third quarter by the Swans where they kicked 3.0 to 1.2.

With a lead of 18 points at three-quarter time, and with a heavy down pour, the Swans were held on in a goalless last term.

Sydney coach Tadgh Kennelly was extremely happy to get the win.

“Brisbane are at the top of the tree, and we wanted to come here and get the win,” he told neafl.com.au.

“We are in good form so you really want to capitalise and get some wins. Our start to the season wasn’t great so we are chasing our tails a small bit.”

Winning contested ball was an area that was important to win for both clubs who pride themselves on that area.

“Brisbane are a very formidable outfit. They weren’t at their best in components of their game, so we won’t underestimate that the next time we play them, that’s for sure,” Kennelly said.

“They are playing a very good brand of football.”

The Lions will try to get back to their best when they travel to the Sunshine Coast to play a home game against Aspley next week, while the Swans play at the SCG against ladder-leaders Sydney University.

SYDNEY 4.5 6.7 10.7 10.10 (70)
BRISBANE 2.1 6.5 6.7 7.12 (54)

GOALS
Sydney: J Rose 2 B Stewart 2 J Amartey 2 N Newman 2 C O’ Riordan D Cameron.
Brisbane: R Lester 2 J Allison 2 J Kennealy J Walker C Lyons.

BEST
Sydney: D Robinson N Newman C O’ Riordan D Cameron R Fox D Towers. 
Brisbane: J Frost T Bell A Smith B Keays L Dawson R Lester.