Sydney coach John Longmire hailed the mental strength of AFL star Josh Kennedy after his skipper stepped up superbly in a 42-point victory over North Melbourne.
Kennedy helped himself to a game-high 37 disposals and added six tackles, nine clearances, a goal and almost certainly three Brownlow votes at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Kennedy led by example in the pressure-laden contest that the Swans won 18.12 (120) to 11.12 (78).
He did his best work when the game was in the balance, tallying 15 possessions in the opening quarter.
The Swans are now 15th on the ladder, still paying the price for starting the season with six losses.
However, there was plenty for Longmire to like about the way last year's grand finalists performed against North.
Especially Kennedy.
"He really set himself to play well. He's mentally strong and he was fantastic," Longmire said.
"He's managed it (dealing with a poor start to the season) really well, he's been able to work with our other leaders and have a real impact.
"His ability to lead the team through some challenging times (has been impressive).
"We've been better the last two weeks, we've just got to keep building on that.
"We get a great opportunity to do that next week against the Saints."
Longmire's main concern after the match was Jarrad McVeigh's tight hamstring.
Longmire noted it was too early to say whether the veteran, who played as a forward in an effort to manage the niggle, would be fit to face St Kilda at the same venue on Saturday.
Kangaroos coach Brad Scott lamented the way his side, who shocked ladder leaders Adelaide in round seven, were "obliterated around the ball" by Sydney.
"They dictated terms," Scott said.
"You lose count of how many All Australians they have. They're a proud group of hard, tough midfielders and they got the better of our guys."
There was no shortage of niggle as the Swans made it two wins on the trot.
Melees broke out at quarter-time, halftime and three-quarter time, while North remonstrated with Lance Franklin after the superstar clocked Sam Durdin high in the third term.
Franklin registered 1.3 a week after booting eight goals against Brisbane but the Swans had 11 goal kickers.
Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dan Hannebery were all magnificent in the engine room and combined for five goals.
"A lot of our midfielders have probably been down earlier in the year, so it was good to get on top in contested footy," Kennedy told Fox Footy.
Nic Newman, who earned a late call-up when Oliver Florent was a last-minute withdrawal, was also among Sydney's best with 35 touches.
The visitors led by 11 points at quarter-time then seized control with six goals in the second term.
A controversial umpiring decision gifted a goal to North forward Ben Brown in the second quarter, ensuring this year's new ruck rule will be in the news again.
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