Port Adelaide came into the game armed with an eight-game winning streak, sitting comfortably atop the ladder with a sparkling 10-1 record. But the Swans were breathing down the Power's neck, compiling their own seven-game run for a 8-3 clip heading into what loomed as a titanic struggle. Something had to give at the SCG, and it was the visitors who had their winning run snapped, with Lance Franklin proving the difference. His five goals helped carry the home side to a sensational four-point victory to move within one victory of top spot.

 

When he turned up at the club as a scrawny teenager known mainly for his famous rugby league-playing father Garry, few would have predicted the career that lay ahead for Kieren Jack. A premiership, a best and fairest award and All Australian honours have befallen the popular midfielder, who through pure hard work has turned himself into an elite talent. "Kieren has been great for this football club," injured teammate Ben McGlynn said pre-game. "A co-captain along with Jarrad (McVeigh) and the boys will definitely lift for him, as they did last week for Heath Grundy in his 150th." So it proved.

 

Travis Boak, Angus Monfries and Matt White were all back in the Port line-up on Saturday afternoon, adding some serious talent to a side aiming for its first win at the SCG since 2006. Boak (ankle) and White (foot) missed last week's win over St Kilda, while Monfries (ankle) had been out for two games. They all had their moments, with Monfries kicking two important goals early in the second term, but ultimately they fell just short in a performance that will still have plenty of positives for coach Ken Hinkley.

More than 37,000 came to the SCG to see the Swans maul Geelong by 110 points on a Thursday night two weeks ago. But that was just a warm-up. Against the Power, 41,317 fans poured into the ground, which now has a capacity of 48,000 following its re-development. Only the 46,168 that attended a clash with the Cats back in 1997, and the 44,047 that also attended a Geelong game in 1996, could better Saturday's outstanding crowd for a home and away game. 

 

Chad Wingard was rightly lauded for his exceptional, soaring grab against the Saints last week that will take some beating for mark of the year. But it's not just in the air where the young All Australian can cause damage, with Swans coach John Longmire stating during the week Wingard is a"unique talent" that would take up plenty of his pre-match planning. The task was largely handed to in-form defensive duo Nick Smith and Nick Malceski and it worked a treat for most of the game. But Wingard hasn't earned superstar status by luck. He kept fighting and kicked two goals as his side pushed for a stunning victory. He also added 16 touches and four tackles, but on this day, it wasn't quite enough.

 

Twitter: @AFL_JD