Sydney Swans' Adam Goodes kicked three goals against Port Adelaide at the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

Led by midfield dynamos Josh Kennedy (33 disposals and two goals) and Dan Hannebery (34 and one), the 10-point win had extra merit after the Swans fielded a team with nine players under 60 games experience.

They also played without two men for much of the second half, after losing Gary Rohan (hamstring) in the second quarter and Ted Richards (concussion) in the third quarter after a tackle from his opponent Jay Schulz went bad.

Sydney Swans' Gary Rohan came off injured and was subbed out against Port Adelaide at the SCG. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

Richards arms were pinned as his head banged into the SCG turf. He was knocked unconscious, but the motion didn’t look like a double movement that was involved with Bryce Gibbs’ tackle on Robbie Gray in Round 12.

Schulz also showed concern for Richards and immediately signalled for medical help after the tackle.

His teammate, Matthew Broadbent, wasn’t quite as friendly with Luke Parker later in the same quarter, tangling with the gun midfielder when he was being treated by Swans medical staff.

AFL: Matthew Broadbeant bumps an injured Luke Parker during the Swans-Port clash.

Rather than set them back on their heels, the injury to Richards only served to inspire the Swans as co-captain Kieren Jack snapped one against the run of play. Then Adam Goodes electrified the SCG crowd when he turned back the clock with a dash down the members wing that led to a goal from 50 metres out to inspire his team.

A strong mark and goal from Hannebery and another goal from Goodes stretched the lead to 24 points at three quarter-time.

Sydney Swans' Adam Goodes booted three goals. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

But with their finals hopes hanging in the balance, Port wasn’t done with yet.

When Hamish Hartlett and Robbie Gray kicked the opening goals of the final term, the Power were within two goals of Sydney.

But Lewis Jetta slipped away down field with six minutes to go and finally put the match out of Port’s reach with a big goal.

Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard booted three goals. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: News Corp Australia

Without their star forwards, the Swans’ forward setup looked similar to its 2012 structure, with Sam Reid and Goodes playing in the key spots. They kicked three important goals each.

Debutant Toby Nankervis made a memorable start to his AFL career, kicking an important goal and working well around the ground with Mike Pyke in the ruck.

Port now has a 5-8 record with nine games remaining, while the Swans move to 10-3 and keep their top-two hopes alive.

AFL: Adam Goodes recieves a soft free-kick early in the first quarter.

SYDNEY SWANS 14.10 (94)

PORT ADELAIDE 12.12 (84)

GOALS

Sydney Swans: Reid 3, Goodes 3, Kennedy 2, Parker, Nankervis, Jetta, Jack, Hannebery, Cunningham

Port Adelaide: Wingard 3, Westhoff 2, Krakouer 2, Hartlett, Gray, Boak, Ah Chee, Schulz

BEST

Sydney Swans: Kennedy, Hannebery, Goodes, Reid, Jack, Mitchell, Parker

Port Adelaide: Gray, Wingard, Westhoff, Hartlett, Hombsch, Krakouer

VOTES

3. Josh Kennedy (SYD)

2. Dan Hannebery (SYD)

1. Robbie Gray (PA)

Crowd: 28,316 at the SCG