AFTER a tumultuous week, Kieren Jack has led the Sydney Swans to an emphatic 38-point win over Geelong at Simonds Stadium to put a huge dent in the Cats' top-four aspirations.

In his 200th game, and after a week in which a private family spat became very public, the Swans co-captain had 24 disposals, 10 tackles and three goals in his side's 38-point win.

Following a tight first half, the Swans put the foot down in the third quarter, dominating stoppages to open up a 27-point lead at the final change.

Despite a six-day break, they controlled the final quarter to win 15.8 (98) to 9.6 (60), setting up a huge clash against Hawthorn at the SCG on Thursday night.

It was the Cats' first loss at home in their last nine games and just their seventh defeat of the past 72 clashes at the venue.

The win puts the Swans in second position overnight, while the Cats will sit in the bottom half of the eight after four losses in the past seven games.

The Swans had more contributors in their midfield, with the Cats too reliant on Patrick Dangerfield who had 18 first quarter disposals before fading out, in relative terms, with 33 for the game.

After a tumultuous week when his family's dirty laundry was aired ahead of his 200th game, co-captain Kieren Jack got his team off to a flying start with a goal inside the first minute (on his way to three for the night in a superb performance).

Before the Cats had settled the Sydney Swans had three goals on the board.
It was a handy buffer, allowing them to weather Geelong's fightback, which saw the Cats hit the front momentarily in the second quarter, before the Swans drew away.

Swans coach John Longmire heaped praise on his team's effort.

"It was sensational. From the first bounce we thought we played a really strong brand of footy," Longmire said.
 
"They came at us a bit in the second quarter but I thought our leaders were sensational and our kids were super tonight."

Defender Dane Rampe was superb in the second quarter and had three intercept marks at half-time.

He was able to drift off his opponent and cut off attacking thrusts, and was the best player on the ground by the end of the game.

Rampe received excellent support from Heath Grundy, Nick Smith, Zak Jones, Jarrad McVeigh and Allir Allir, with veteran Ted Richards playing forward in his comeback from concussion.

Time after time the Sydney Swans set up goals from the back half.
Gary Rohan was too quick for Geelong's defenders as a hit-up forward and Richards managed to frustrate Lachie Henderson.

Andrew Mackie returned to form but the weight of numbers overwhelmed the Cats eventually.

Despite Dangerfield's early dominance, Tom Mitchell did a superb job in quelling his influence after quarter-time.  

It allowed the Sydney Swans' prime movers in Jack, Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebery and Luke Parker to outmuscle Geelong inside the contest.

They also had 11 goalkickers – with Franklin kicking just one - which was in stark comparison to the Cats who were close to dysfunctional inside their forward 50.

Hawkins was ineffective, while Mitch Clark battled to have an influence in his first senior game since round nine last season.

After being premiership favourites midway through the season, Geelong has hit a mid-season rut, which they must overcome next week against Fremantle if they are to revive their season.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said the Cats have many areas they need to work on.

"There is a clear pattern now of poor performance, and even though we have got some players who are playing well we have just got too many who are down," Scott said.

MEDICAL ROOM
Geelong: The Cats had no injury issues and will welcome recruit Scott Selwood back via the VFL on Saturday. Nakia Cockatoo will be better for the run while Mitch Clark returned without a problem.

Sydney Swans: Ted Richards played forward in his return from concussion and the Sydney Swans escaped injury free. Sam Reid is a chance to play NEAFL after an extended period on the sidelines.

NEXT UP
The Sydney Swans face Hawthorn at the SCG next Thursday night in what promises to be a huge clash, while Geelong heads to Perth to take on Fremantle in a must-win game.

GEELONG                   3.1    5.1    7.4     9.6 (60)

SYDNEY SWANS       4.2    7.4    11.7  15.8 (98)

GOALS
Geelong: Menzel 2, Hawkins 2, Cockatoo, Smith, Enright, Murdoch, Dangerfield
Sydney Swans: Jack 3, Towers 2, Papley 2, Franklin, Mills, Jones, Hewett, Lloyd, Richards, Parker, Kennedy 

BEST
Geelong: Dangerfield, Mackie, Enright, Selwood, Menzel, Duncan
Sydney Swans: Rampe, Parker, Hannebery, Mitchell, Jack, Allir, Mills 

INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
Sydney Swans: Nil 

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Hosking, Meredith, McInerney

Official crowd: 24,233 at Simonds Stadium