IT WAS a case of follow the leader as a brilliant solo performance from captain Josh Kennedy lifted Sydney to victory against Geelong on Saturday.

That was the view of coach John Longmire after watching Kennedy amass 13 disposals and six clearances in the fourth quarter, as the Swans came from 22 points down at the final break to win.

After 13 and 16 disposal matches in the previous fortnight, a "proud" Kennedy turned the tables to deliver the Swans their third consecutive win at GMHBA Stadium.

GEELONG v SYDNEY: All the details and stats

"I thought he was good up until three-quarter time and then he went to the next level in the last quarter," Longmire said post-game.

"He's a pretty proud bloke and he was pretty disappointed with his game last week. Knowing him and what sort of person he is, he was always going to be better the next week.

"It started in the centre of the ground in that last quarter and our leaders were fantastic, (they) stood up in the big moments.

"Led by Josh, he was enormous in that last quarter and I think everyone got on board with him."

Kennedy said the midfield group took it upon themselves to lift after they were comprehensively beaten by Adelaide last week.

"It's a part of our game that we probably haven't been great at the last couple of weeks," Kennedy told AFL.com.au.

"Our midfield has been under the spotlight and fair enough, we haven't been great. To stand up when it really counted this afternoon was really pleasing."

TALKING POINTS: Swans' short story brings the pressure

Callum Sinclair's dominance in the ruck led to Sydney winning all seven centre clearances in the final term, including three won by Kennedy.

Zak Jones (11 disposals in the fourth quarter), Isaac Heeney (eight disposals) and Robbie Fox (two goals) influenced the contest late, while debutant Ben Ronke put the Swans in front with a clutch finish. 

"It's the actions of the players and the leaders and that next group coming underneath that made a big difference. Players like Sinclair that had enormous last quarters," Longmire said.

"I thought 'Ronks' coming in, kicking a couple and providing a really important role for us forward. Robbie Fox coming in and taking that important mark and importantly going back and kicking it in an important moment."

HORSE'S MEDIA CONFERENCE: Watch the full presser 

Kennedy said the Swans took belief from their previous two wins in Geelong, the only side to have beaten the Cats on their home patch since 2015.

"I think it gave us a lot (of belief), especially going into the game," the three-time All Australian said.

"In that first quarter we came out with a lot of intensity, a lot of hit around the footy which was great. Our tackle pressure was really good across the four quarters, which is pleasing."

Will Hayward (three goals), Ronke (two goals) and Fox provided a different avenue to goal in the absence of superstar Lance Franklin.

WATCH: Ben Ronke enjoyed his debut

Longmire said he was still unsure of a timeframe for Franklin's return, joined by Dan Hannebery (groin) on the sidelines.

"Not yet, we're not sure if he and Hannebery will be back in the team next week or not, we just don't know," Longmire said.

"We'll get a bit of an idea early in the week, but we may not know until later on."

The Swans return to the SCG to host North Melbourne on Saturday night.