“We played pretty well. They are a really good team,” he said.

He added that he wouldn't be surprised if the Bulldogs end up making the grand final.

The Swans had their work cut out for them from the bounce with the Bulldogs kicking three majors inside the first three minutes. ​

“Their midfield was too big and we struggled when the ball hit the ground,” Kelly said.

They also found the strength of Bulldogs coach Greg Piggott and Mitch Swain's height hard to contain up front, with both kicking four goals.

“They moved the ball into the forward line pretty well,” he said.

“(But) From where we were last year I was happy.”

Damien Wendt was their best.

“He was good in the midfield, ran all day,” Kelly said.

Zac Wheatley and Steven Fairless – in his 50^th game – also had strong games.