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Full time:Swans 19.17 (131) def Essendon 15.11 (101)

Swans win by 30 points

Swans new-look midfield continue to dominate

The Swans remarkable start to the season has continued with their midfield running over the top of a spirited Essendon to win by 30 points.

For the moment at least the Swans are on top of the leader with three straight wins.

Despite the continuing absence of three gun midfielders,captain Callum Mills,Luke Parker and Taylor Adams,the next generation of Swans prime movers continue to dominate.

Isaac Heeney,Errol Gulden and Chad Warner,with heavy support from Tom Papley fluctuating between forward and midfield,prove too much for an Essendon side that threw everything at the Swans.

Bombers’ captain Zach Merrett led from the front with good support from Archie Perkins,Will Setterfield and Andrew McGrath.

Chad Warner celebrates the goal that sealed the match with Will Hayward

Chad Warner celebrates the goal that sealed the match with Will HaywardGetty

Swans kick two late goals to ice their cake

James Jordan has kicked a lovely running goal and then Chad Warner snapped another to suddenly open up a 36-point lead.

Chad Warner seals game for Swans

Chad Warner has ensured the Swans will win their third successive match of the season with a left foot snap which gave them a four-goal lead late in the game.

Stringer goal gives the Bombers late hope

Jake Stringer has brought Essendon back within three goals of Sydney with under four minutes remaining

Papley’s fourth goal gives Swans breathing space

Tom Papey has continued an excellent game,extending the Swans’ lead to four goals later in the last quarter.

Gulden goals for Swans to halt Bomber charge

Errol Gulden has finished off some desperate work by the Swans to kick his second goal and extend the lead to 17 points.

Essendon continue charge as Gresham goals

Essendon have reduced the margin to just 11 minutes with 10 minutes to play,booting the last three goals in a row.

Zach Merrett reduces margin to 18 points

A great snap from captain Zach Merrett has given Essendon real hope of an upset

Merrett kicks captain’s got to try and revive Bombers

Essendon captain Zach Merrett imposed himself on the match with a strong tackle which resulted in a free kick and a goal which kept his team within four goals of the Swans.

Zach Merrett imposed himself on the game.

Zach Merrett imposed himself on the game.Getty

Malcolm Conn is Chief Cricket Writer.

Roy Ward is a sports writer,live blogger and breaking news journalist. He's been writing for The Age since 2010.

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