Sydney's six-point win over Geelong on Friday night left many AFL pundits struggling with a decision on whether the glass was half full or half empty at the SCG.

For some, there was cause for concern that the Swans kicked seven goals in the first quarter but only five in the next three as they almost snatched defeat from the jaws of victory for the second game in a row.

Others felt victory over the reigning premiers was something to laud, even though the Swans sent their fans' hairlines receding at an unhealthy rate - as was the case against Essendon when they escaped with a four-point win after leading by 47 points at three-quarter time.

Ultimately it was a win that sent the club temporarily to top spot on the ladder, and Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh believed his side showed immense character to hold out the Cats at the death.

"We dont like to give up a lead but in saying that to be seven goals (to one goal) up against the reigning premiers in the first quarter is a real credit to the boys, McVeigh said at the side's recovery on Saturday.

"We're just really happy with our performance ... they got in front in the end but then we showed a bit to got over the line."

Sydney coach John Longmire said the last-start fadeouts were different - against the Bombers it was an issue with structures, while with the Cats they simply struggled to get their hands on the ball.

On Friday night, substitute Andrejs Everitt delivered the clutch goal - slotting his difficult set shot with 80 seconds left in the match.

Everitt entered the fray at the expense of a reluctant Adam Goodes, who lacked his usual impact after six weeks on the sidelines with a quad injury.

"There was thinking from the senior coach, there wasn't much thinking from Adam about being subbed out tonight," Longmire said of the dual Brownlow Medallist's early exit.

"I said to him before the game 'look, don't get too dirty if I tap you on the shoulder during the game and put the red vest on you'.

"He was actually quite obliging (at the time) and probably didn't think it was going to happen.

"But it happened ... it's modern footy and we've all got to get used to it. Maybe a bloke who has played 300 games just takes a bit longer to get used to it."