HE WAS happy bagging four more premiership points, but Swans coach John Longmire conceded his team was a touch lucky to escape from Brisbane with a win against the Lions on Sunday.
After racing to a 22-point quarter-time lead, the Swans lost the ensuing three quarters but clung on to win by three points.
Despite his team winning the disposals by 70, clearances by five and contested possessions by 19, Longmire wasn't entirely happy.
"You don't often win games of footy when you lose three quarters like we did today," he said.
"Brisbane were terrific. They played a really hard, good, consistent brand throughout most of the game and did the basics probably a little bit better than us.
"But you can't take away a win, they are really hard to get in this competition and we were good enough when we needed to be to win the game, that’s always a good thing."
Longmire said his midfield was not as consistent as he would have liked, despite big outings from Dan Hannebery (33 disposals and 13 tackles), Josh Kennedy (30), Luke Parker (29 and three goals) and Tom Mitchell (28).
Lions v Swans: Full match coverage
He said the Lions' ability to kick easy goals "that we normally are a bit better at preventing" helped the home team change the course of the game after the first change.
One player that put a smile on Longmire's face – or at least raised his eyebrows in acceptance – was superstar forward Lance Franklin.
Franklin kicked five goals, all in the first three quarters, on a wet day, mixing hard work all over the ground with a thirst for chasing and harassing without the ball.
WATCH: Five-goal Franklin the difference
He kicked one goal around the corner from 45m and another off a step from outside 50 when pushing off Daniel Merrett to create enough space to launch.
"He’s has had a really good start to the season," Longmire said.
"Whether he is kicking goals or giving them off or being up the ground, he’s fit, he’s moving, he's getting around the ground really well.
"He is in good nick, which is good to see."
