SYDNEY Swans coach John Longmire has praised the evenness of his side after their outstanding 39-point win over West Coast at the SCG on Saturday.
The Swans' batch of midfield guns were predictably superb in the slippery conditions with Josh Kennedy (16), Dan Hannebery (14), Luke Parker (14), Kieren Jack (12) and Tom Mitchell (12) all reaching double figures in contested possessions to give the home side a clear advantage.
But it was the lesser lights that really impressed the coach, with key defender Ted Richards awarded the HMAS Sydney medal for best on ground after a stellar job in defence, and Tom Papley electric as a small forward.
After coming off the rookie list to debut against Collingwood in round one, Papley responded after two quiet games with a brilliant first half in which he had 15 possessions, six inside 50s, four tackles and a goal.
Longmire said his side has a great combination of experienced players and exciting youngsters, led by crumbing forward Papley.
"It was a good 24 hours for the small forwards across the competition, but he was really good early," he said.
"He was fantastic in that first half, so lively and added some real bit all over the ground.
"He was right up and about which was a real credit to him.
"West Coast are a good team and it was a hot game and he was right at the forefront of it."
WATCH: John Longmire's full post-match media conference
After a delayed start to 2016 due to a pre-season calf issue, Richards' 257th game was his best of the season in defence against the powerful West Coast forward line.
The veteran took 10 marks and racked up 22 disposals against the Eagles and was rarely beaten in one-on-one contests throughout the match.
Richards also had the Swans fans up on their feet with a goal in the second term from outside 50, plus a genuine hanger in the final quarter.
"Look he played pretty well, he took a good mark and kicked a ripping goal but geez he got carried away," Longmire laughed.
"I guess he doesn't kick many so I'll leave him with that one.
"He was good today (with) six contested marks and he was a bit quiet last week so he's really pleased with how he went.
"They're a gun forward line so to keep them to seven goals, it's about our all over ground defence, but I thought our back six worked pretty well to keep them to that score."
Longmire also praised the efforts of Ben McGlynn and co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, who like Richards had their own injury problems over summer.
"Benny (McGlynn) probably started a bit quiet but as the game went longer and longer he got better and better," Longmire said.
"Between he and 'Teddy' and Jarrad McVeigh, we're trying to get those (three) back at the same time as being competitive and importantly still playing the (George) Hewetts and the Papleys and those guys."
McVeigh was solid in his second game back after off-season knee surgery and while he only gathered 13 disposals, his impact was telling.
The Eagles hit the lead midway through the third term before a goal to McGlynn, and two quality goals to McVeigh turned the momentum of the match.
"It's natural that the longer you play, you get a bit more match fitness but also pick the game up," Longmire said.
"He kicked two critical goals from half-back where just his smarts were able to get him in the right spot at the right time and he's able to finish, so we know he'll get better."
