THE SYDNEY Swans have moved into the box seat for the minor premiership after defeating North Melbourne by nine points at Blundstone Arena on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans led for most of the day, but were forced to hold off a spirited North fightback to seal the 12.13 (85) to 10.16 (76) victory.

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They now move ahead of Hawthorn on percentage with Adelaide and Geelong a chance to join them on 16 wins by the end of the round.

Swans coach John Longmire was impressed with his side's durability under extreme pressure from a surging North side that led a number of key statistical areas including contested possessions, clearances and inside 50s.

"I think you just have to find a way," he said.

"North played pretty well and we needed to keep going and persisting and sometimes you've just got to find a way to win and get over the line.

"I thought we showed really good composure towards the end but in the end I think a few players were really good and a few players were down a little bit and we need a little bit more of a consistent performance next week when we play."

Superstar forward Lance Franklin managed only one behind in the southern capital but was lucky to remain on the field after a first-term clash with Kangaroo Scott Thompson.

The veteran defender's elbow met Franklin's hip and sent him from the ground.

He returned for a short-lived comeback before again heading to the sheds holding his left hip.

Five talking points: North Melbourne v Sydney Swans

While all eyes were on Franklin, who returned rejuvenated for the start of the second quarter, his teammates carried the Swans to the first break.

Luke Parker dominated with 16 disposals and seemed largely unchecked as the Swans went to the first break with a two-goal credit.

The pace was at times frenetic, including an even third term that produced five goals for each side, but the Swans maintained the upper hand.

Parker was instrumental and finished with 31 disposals, while Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Hannebery and Gary Rohan scored two goals each, and Sam Naismith, who shared the centre with returning ruckman Kurt Tippett, recorded 26 hit-outs.

McVeigh makes no mistake!



The Swans lead by 13 points approaching quarter-time. #AFLNorthSwans https://t.co/ZB4IZ1zzbi — AFL (@AFL) August 20, 2016

North stalwart Brent Harvey booted three goals and two behinds to go with 32 disposals, while Nick Dal Santo and Ben Brown kicked two majors each.

Along with bringing a further blow to the confidence of North Melbourne, who has won only two games in the past 10 rounds, Saturday's game also cast further doubt over Thompson's fitness.

Returning from a groin complaint, he was again sidelined from the start of the second term and was seen holding ice on his groin.

"He was able to jog but he wasn't anywhere near good enough to be able to function at the level required," North coach Brad Scott said.

"I don't know whether it's the same injury that kept him out last week or if it's something new. I haven't had an update on that yet."

The loss leaves North still vulnerable in eighth spot with the Demons a chance to close the gap to just one win should they beat Carlton on Sunday.

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MEDICAL ROOM

North Melbourne: Key defender Scott Thompson managed just the one disposal before pulling up lame early in the second quarter with a groin problem.

Sydney Swans: Swans fans must have collectively held their breath when Lance Franklin limped from the ground in the first term. He worked back into the match after half-time and Longmire suggested he will take on the Tigers next week.

NEXT UP

The Kangaroos face a huge challenge against the Giants but will be glad to play host at Etihad Stadium for the potential finals decider. For the Swans, Richmond awaits at the SCG and top spot looks just about nailed on.

Heeney vs. Hansen and the young Swan comes out on top! #AFLNorthSwans https://t.co/X5164xF6iG — AFL (@AFL) August 20, 2016

NORTH MELBOURNE 3.4 4.8 9.13 10.16 (76)

SYDNEY SWANS 5.4 6.8 11.9 12.13 (85)

GOALS

North Melbourne: Harvey 3, Dal Santo 2, Brown 2, Petrie, Goldstein, McKenzie,

Sydney Swans: Rohan 2, McVeigh 2, Hannebery 2, Hewett, Papley, Lloyd, Heeney, Kennedy, McGlynn

BEST

North Melbourne: Harvey, Wells, Dal Santo, Swallow, Tarrant, Macmillan

Sydney Swans: Hannebery, Parker, Kennedy, Mills, Mitchell, McVeigh

INJURIES

North Melbourne: Scott Thompson (groin)

Sydney Swans: Lance Franklin (hip)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Bannister, Schmitt, Meredith

Official crowd: 16,495 at Blundstone Arena