An uneasy silence was music to Brendon Bolton's ears after Sydney broke their AFL duck with a 19-point win over Carlton.
The Swans held off the hard-charging Blues 14.9 (93) to 10.14 (74) on Saturday afternoon at Marvel Stadium.
While there was plenty to like about Carlton, they have a vital away game on Sunday week against fellow strugglers Gold Coast.
Sydney star Isaac Heeney blasted back to form with four goals, while Josh Kennedy and Zac Jones shone in the midfield.
It is the third week in a row that the developing Blues have been competitive, but not able to finish off the job.
The Blues' coach said the mood in their rooms post-match showed how determined they were to start winning.
While Sydney gained a much-needed boost ahead of a five-day break and a home game against Melbourne, who are also 0-3, Carlton have won just three of their past 35 games.
"It was a really interesting - you'd nearly call it awkward - silence after the game, sitting in there with the players," Bolton said.
"Loud and clear - they're really driven now to train well on Tuesday and Thursday, to try and get a result next week.
"They, like us, are not liking these close losses."
There was much to like about Carlton, with captain Patrick Cripps leading superbly, Sam Walsh adding to his Rising Star favouritism and Liam Jones winning an entertaining battle against Lance Franklin.
In three rounds, young key forward Harry McKay has clunked 15 contested marks.
The Blues also had 19-5 inside 50s in the last quarter and never gave up.
But the Swans won uncontested marks 90-54 and controlled the game better.
Carlton had one more scoring shot, but butchered their set shots with 4.6.
Sydney's defence, led by veteran Jarrad McVeigh, was outstanding and the Blues' small forwards were kept quiet.
But McVeigh suffered a quad injury in the last quarter and Will Hayward broke his jaw.
Carlton recruit Mitch McGovern was forced off with a hamstring injury.
Bolton heaped praise on Cripps, who racked up a whopping 13 clearances, for his captaincy and an exceptional start to the season.
"He's driving with this young group, the now - make a decision now that you're ready," Bolton said.
