Sydney's Michael O'Loughlin reminded the AFL he's still one of the premier forwards in the competition as rookie Luke Vogels announced his arrival to the big stage.

The man nicknamed "Magic" booted five goals, including four in a stunning third quarter performance, as the Swans defeated the Western Bulldogs 13.11 (89) to 10.16 (76) at the SCG.

O'Loughlin has been put on a reduced training schedule this year to try to stop his creaky knees from prematurely finishing a career which started back in 1995.

The 28-year-old full forward started the season slowly as he tried to find condition and showed that even without being at full fitness, he is still one of the most dangerous forwards going around.

He had 17 touches and took eight marks and could have bettered his 5.3 return if he kicked straighter early in the match.

His dazzling performance was nothing new to Bulldog coach Rodney Eade as he watched his former player turn the match Sydney's way in the third term.

Eade is still the Swans longest serving coach and this was his first return to the coaching box in the harbour city after leaving the Swans in 2002.

He even managed a wry smile as he talked about O'Loughlin, the only member playing today of the Sydney team which Eade guided to the 1996 grand final.

"Mick is as good a player as there is in the competition one on one - he could have kicked another two or three," Eade said.

Sydney coach Paul Roos quipped: "It would be pretty scary if he got fit."

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