CONSISTENCY is the key behind the Sydney Swans’ strong form this season, coach John Longmire says.

Speaking after their 38-point victory over Gold Coast at a sodden Metricon Stadium, Longmire said senior players’ good form had helped younger players slot into the side.

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"It’s been pretty consistent, we’ve lost two games, by 10 points and one point, but you’re always after a bit better as a coach," Longmire said.

"Our good players have been playing consistent footy, which has allowed our younger players to come in and play a really good role for us – Harry Marsh, Georgey Hewett and those guys have come in and played pretty well."

Callum Mills was a late withdrawal before the match, and Longmire said it was just a case of management.

"He’s had an enormous workload, but he’s been terrific for us across half-back," he said.

"It makes a difference when your senior players are playing consistently well."

Five talking points: Gold Coast v Sydney

Longmire was full of praise for Kurt Tippett, who finished the match with 50 hit-outs, 20 more than the Suns’ entire total.

"He’s been just so consistent with his ruckwork," he said.

"When you get into a groove in any position as a player, but especially the ruck, you just know what you’re going to get from him most weeks.

"He comes out and plays a really consistent brand of footy, he competes really hard and gets after it at ground level."

Tom Mitchell kept Gary Ablett to 26 disposals while racking up 33 of his own and kicking a goal in just his 50th game, but Longmire kept a lid on his praise.

"Gary’s always going to get it because he’s a really good player, but Tommy was pretty good," Longmire said.

The torrential rain proved challenging early for the Swans, and Longmire said it had been a long time since he’d seen conditions like it.

"I was unsure what the ground was going to be like, but it was OK considering the rain," he said. 

"I thought we were a little bit inconsistent at times through the quarters, but those conditions, we ended up having 136 tackles, so our pressure was good.

"It was so wet, it was an absolute battle. Just a slogfest."

Hewett was concussed early in the match and Longmire said he would be monitored throughout the week before the Swans take on GWS.