Sydney fans are free to take their AFL club to task this season after yet another nail-biting victory, this time over the Western Bulldogs at Manuka Oval on Saturday.

Coach John Longmire admits he's been putting supporters through the wringer, with each of their three wins this season, plus a draw, all being gritty, hard-fought contests that have gone down to the wire.

Their latest - a 10.13 (73) to 10.5 (65) victory over the Bulldogs on Saturday - was a similar story.

But at least they are picking up wins, with the heat sure to be turned up even further on coach Rodney Eade and the Dogs this week after a third straight loss that leaves them languishing with a 2-4 record.

After dominating play for most of the afternoon, Sydney were 26 points ahead at the final change when the 'Dogs launched a desperate final-term attack.

They kicked four goals to one to get within seven points, before the Swans relieved their long-suffering fans by holding out to the final siren.

Longmire concedes it's a tough way to earn a living.

"The wins we've had and obviously the draw, they've all been tight to the last minute of the game," Longmire said.

"It's been tense, but in those particular games we've played down to the final siren, which has been pleasing."

He credited experienced players such as Adam Goodes and Ryan O'Keefe, who had a team-high 27 possessions, for seeing the Swans through.

Sydney should have had the game out of reach after dominant second and third quarters, but they kept the Bulldogs in touch by continually missing shots at goal.

"It is very much a momentum game, AFL footy, and you need to make sure when they have the momentum they don't hurt you too much," Longmire said.

"So obviously when we get the momentum we need to put some scoreboard pressure on.

"It makes it a lot easier in the last quarter if you do."

Sydney, who snapped a two-game losing streak, could be further strengthened by the inclusion of Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Jesse White and Mark Seaby next week.

Meanwhile, Eade is sure to be under increasing pressure, with his highly-rated side now slumping to a third consecutive defeat.

The former Sydney coach hinted no one will be spared the chopping block for next week's clash against Richmond, saying few players had put in a consistent four quarters.

"We just got outworked in the second and third quarters, our third quarter was horrendous," Eade said.

"Without work rate, obviously skills can drop off.

"We've got to find players that are prepared to work."

He did give credit to young Lukas Markovic, who he said exhausted himself to get to contests.

"We didn't have enough players doing that.

"We probably had our chance to win, but we probably didn't deserve to win."

Eade said the team should be bolstered next week with the return of Barry Hall and Shaun Higgins.

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