Sydney coach John Longmire hopes the Swans' exposure to a run of tight games this AFL season will help his fledgling outfit become even more composed in future cliffhangers.

The Swans, who drew with Melbourne in round one before defeating Essendon by five points in round two, were involved in yet another heart-stopper on Saturday night when they overcame a two-goal, final-quarter deficit to defeat West Coast by 13 points in Perth, 15.11 (101) to 13.10 (88).

Despite losing a host of stars since their 2005 premiership triumph, Sydney are still admired for their ability to grind out tight games.

Longmire is confident that trend will continue, saying his emerging group - with the aid of a few wily veterans - were gaining vital experience in how to successfully close out thrillers this season.

"Fortunately this group, over a long period of time, have been known for having a go for four quarters," Longmire said.

"The most pleasing thing is for a number of years now when they're out of the game they'll just find a way (to get up).

"We hope that continues and hopefully some of the younger players now are learning that as well.

"We've been in a few tight ones so they should have plenty of practice."

Longmire praised the efforts of veteran Adam Goodes, whose 21 classy disposals and three goals played a pivotal role in the Swans' second win of the season.

"I think now, really in crunch times whether that's forward or midfield, he's stepping up another level again," Longmire said.

"It's probably been evident in the last couple of weeks, at important times in games he's really stepped up.

"He's a class player."

But it wasn't just old timers Goodes and Jude Bolton (19 tackles) who were crucial in the win - youngsters Josh Kennedy (23 possessions, eight clearances), Kieren Jack (12 tackles) and Andrejs Everitt (18 touches, two goals) were also significant contributors.

Everitt, who was traded from the Bulldogs to Sydney at the end of last year, showed promise as a key forward after Sam Reid was struck down with cramp, booting the final two goals of the match to secure victory for the Swans.

"He's played the whole pre-season and the first couple of rounds down back and we knew he could go forward but to be honest we didn't expect him to kick those goals in the last quarter," Longmire said.

"I thought he looked really comfortable as a forward."

The Swans' unbeaten start to the season will be put to the test next Saturday night when they take on Geelong at the SCG.

West Coast coach John Worsfold conceded it would take his squad more time to be able to mimic the composure shown by a more battle-hardened Sydney unit.

"We haven't just answered our experience and youth issue in three months, you know that's going to take another year or two," Worsfold said.

"So yes we still have areas to work on and get a lot better at, but they're areas that I'm still really confident that we will be able to work at and get better at."

Worsfold praised the efforts of forward Quinten Lynch, who booted four goals in the first half to keep West Coast right in the hunt.

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