Demons onballer Clayton Oliver won a game-high 35 disposals and 10 clearances in the dour slugfest, as new key forward pairing Ben Brown (three) and Tom McDonald (four) combined for seven goals in their first full match together in attack.

The 10.7 (67) to 8.10 (58) win on Saturday night ensured the Dees moved to an 8-0 record for the first time in 56 years and maintained top spot on the ladder.

Christian Petracca (28 disposals), Christian Salem (27) and James Harmes (30) were all important contributors for Simon Goodwin's side, which won despite being dominated in centre clearances (17-4) and inside-50s (58-46).

"The Swans are a hard team to play against and that was the way the game panned out," Goodwin said.

"In a lot of ways, you look at the numbers and they probably should've won, but just the grit of our boys and the ability to keep finding (a way), I'm really proud of that."

Sydney veteran Lance Franklin returned earlier than initially expected from a knee injury and was held to just six disposals by Steven May, who led a resolute Demons defence.

The Swans' interrupted preparation due to coronavirus issues in their home city did not seem to have much of an effect as they kicked the opening two goals of the match.

They got the first through Justin McInerney inside a minute, but lacked a reliable key target close to goal with Franklin blanketed by May.

The Demons controlled the second term and looked as if they might pull clear on multiple occasions.

But Sydney got back within a goal three times during a second half of swinging momentum before McDonald's huge pack mark and fourth goal gave the Demons breathing space once and for all.

Callum Mills (33 disposals) was one of the Swans' best in his 100th game with Luke Parker (32) and Jake Lloyd (28) also busy.

Sydney won three of the four quarters and coach John Longmire lamented their inability to cash in on areas of dominance.

"They were more efficient and effective going forward than what we were and they out-scrambled us in the second quarter," Longmire said.

"Ultimately, we're here to win and regardless of who we're playing we want to get the points, but we had a crack.

"If we had a bit more polish in our front half we might've been able to get over the line."

Melbourne can extend their winning streak to nine matches against Carlton at the MCG next week, while Sydney host Collingwood at the SCG.

Australian Associated Press