SYDNEY has kept its finals hopes alive while handing Gold Coast a 10th straight defeat, winning by 42 points at the SCG on Saturday.

But a serious shoulder injury to ruckman Callum Sinclair could spell the end of the Swans' slim September dreams.

Sinclair dislocated his right shoulder in the first minute of the match, and while he returned to the field after receiving treatment in the rooms, it popped out again before the first break and he took no further part in the game.

SWANS ON THE CHARGE Full match coverage and stats

With their ruckman missing, the Swans were forced to throw key defender Aliir Aliir up against seasoned Sun Jarrod Witts, who, as expected, dominated the hit-outs. With Aliir in the ruck, young forward Tom McCartin was forced into the backline.

Sydney will sweat on Callum Sinclair's injury diagnosis. Picture: AFL Photos

Despite being a man down for most of the game, Sydney eventually managed to fend off the plucky visitors with eight goals to two in the second half, winning 14.9 (93) to 7.9 (51).

WATCH Heeney's second-half steamroll

Recently re-signed youngster Jordan Dawson (28 possessions) was a standout in a scrappy affair with his foot skills creating havoc for Gold Coast off half-back.

Midfield stars Luke Parker (31 touches and 12 clearances), Josh Kennedy (28) and George Hewett (12 tackles) were also important for the Swans.

Veteran defender Jarrod Harbrow did a superb job in limiting the influence of Tom Papley for most of the game, and Brad Scheer did well as a defensive half forward on the prolific Jake Lloyd.

David Swallow, Anthony Miles, Pearce Hanley and Brayden Fiorini were others to have an influence for Stuart Dew's side.

The Suns opened the game with the first goal after a brilliant solo effort from Alex Sexton, and while the Swans booted a couple in a row, a clutch set shot from Scheer had the visitors in front at the first change.

Witts continued to have a big impact against Aliir in the second term and Gold Coast took advantage to gain control in the clearances where Swallow and Miles took it right up to the experienced Sydney onballers.

But two late goals in the second term gave the home side a half-time advantage, and four more to Gold Coast's lone major in the third quarter, had the Swans up by 23 points at the last break.

'PLENTY TO PLAY FOR' Stuart Dew says Suns won't put the cue in the rack

Papley's second, less than three minutes into the final quarter, virtually ended the Suns' hopes of a second straight boilover at the SCG, and a couple for Isaac Heeney pushed out the margin and capped off a solid night out for the Swans.

MEDICAL ROOM
Sydney: Sinclair popped his right shoulder in the first minute, and while he got it strapped and returned to the field, he dislocated it again just before quarter-time and played no further part in the match.

Gold Coast: Ben King was groggy after a tackle in the opening term and was checked out for concussion in the rooms at the first break, but was cleared to return. 

NEXT UP
The Swans head to Melbourne to take on Essendon at the MCG in a massive clash for the finals chances of both sides, while the Suns host Richmond at Metricon Stadium, with both games on Saturday afternoon. 


SYDNEY         3.3    6.3   10.6   14.9 (93)
GOLD COAST  2.3    5.5    6.7    7.9 (51)

GOALS
Sydney: Reid 2, Blakey 2, Ronke 2, Papley 2, Heeney 2, Jones, Aliir, Kennedy, Hayward
Gold Coast: MacPherson 2, Wright, Sexton, Scheer, Day, Miles

BEST
Sydney: Dawson, Parker, Rampe, Hewett, Kennedy, Heeney
Gold Coast: Harbrow, Swallow, Miles, Hanley, MacPherson, Scheer

INJURIES
Sydney: Callum Sinclair (shoulder)
Gold Coast: O'Riordan (head)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Meredith, Findley, Dore

Official crowd: 26,194 at the SCG