THE SYDNEY Swans have moved into the top eight for the first time this season after a thumping 79-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

 

Without glamour forward Lance Franklin (knee), the Swans had no problems dismissing the struggling Lions, winning 18.15 (123) to 6.8 (44).

 

The visitors were challenged early in the second quarter, but used a four-goal burst in the lead-up to half-time to establish a match-winning lead.

 

They then piled on 10 goals to three in the second half to boost their percentage and move to a 4-3 record ahead of Friday night's blockbuster against Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium.

 

The midfield ran riot and thoroughly outplayed the Lions for most of the four quarters.

 

Jarrad McVeigh had 14 first-quarter disposals and finished with 35 for the match to be the best player on the ground.

 

For the Lions, it was a tame follow-up to their first win of the season against St Kilda in Wellington eight days ago.

 

Perhaps even more disturbing was the harsh glimpse into life after Jonathan Brown, following the champion forward's late withdrawal with general soreness.

 

In a move believed to help get the ageing Brown through the season unscathed, it left Daniel Merrett and Luke McGuane to carry the load.

 

With little quality supply, and already missing lynchpins Daniel Rich (knee), Matthew Leuenberger (knee) and Pearce Hanley (back), the forwards struggled.

 

Vice-captain Tom Rockliff (30 disposals and 10 tackles) tried his heart out despite being physically ill in the first quarter, while youngsters James Aish, Marco Paparone and Sam Mayes all had a dip.