Sydney have stormed into the AFL’s top eight with a barnstorming 67-point dismissal of Gold Coast at the SCG.
Lance Franklin and Gary Rohan combined for eight goals on Saturday, when the Swans boosted their percentage and embarrassed a Suns outfit devoid of confidence.
The hosts, who were led by Dan Hannebery in the absence of late scratching Josh Kennedy (tight quad), triumphed 17.16 (118) to 7.9 (51).
Gold Coast co-captain Tom Lynch nabbed three goals in the opening term to give his side a surprise five-point lead at quarter-time.
The sloppy Swans looked shaky at that stage, gifting the visitors four early goals through turnovers.
But Sydney clicked in clinical fashion, kicking the next 12 goals of the contest to make it eight wins from their past nine games.
In sharp contrast, the listless Suns went goal-less from quarter-time until the 14th minute of the final term.
It often resembled a training drill. Franklin, Rohan, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Heath Grundy, Callum Mills, Kieren Jack, Jake Lloyd and George Hewett were among the many Swans to enjoy a productive night.
Rohan finished with a career-best five goals. The flame-haired speedster created immense pressure with his trademark pace but also clutched a game-high three contested marks.
The battle between Franklin and Suns co-captain Steven May was fascinating and fierce.
Both men had their moments but May could only do so much given the speed, frequency and precision at which the ball pinged into the Swans’ forward line, and indeed the Suns’ propensity to panic.
Gold Coast coach Rodney Eade shifted Lynch into defence during the second-quarter onslaught, such was the ease at which the Swans were busting the game open. It made little difference.
Sydney, seeking to make history as the first AFL side to reach the finals after a 0-6 start to the season, next face Greater Western Sydney, while the Suns meet Collingwood.