The Dogs also lost midfielder Ed Richards and utility Anthony Scott to concussion, leaving them with only two fit men on the bench for the final 40 or so minutes of the match.
Against almost any opponent other than the red-hot Swans, the Dogs would have been rewarded with the four points after a performance in which they were dominant at the contest (140-106), had more shots on goal and won the inside-50 count (60-46).
They were sunk by another stellar game from dynamic midfielder Chad Warner, who overcame a quiet first half by his lofty standards to finish with four goals and 25 disposals in a best-on-ground display.
Richards was out of the game moments into the second half after a clash of heads with Ollie Florent as the pair contested a ground ball. He underwent a concussion test but failed, ruling him out of the clash with the Pies. Scott was also concussed after a clash of heads, his incident coming minutes into the game.
“We’re extremely conservative,” Beveridge said. “We’ll always have our players’ health and wellbeing at the forefront, regardless of whether or not it costs you momentum or even the possibility of victory ... you’ve got to take care of the players.”
Richards was arguably the best player on the ground in the first half with 18 possessions, and was instrumental in the Dogs’ midfield ascendancy.
This clash of heads saw Ed Richards ruled out of the game.Credit: Getty Images
It was not until he was out of the game that the Swans enjoyed their best period of the game, pulling away to lead by five goals before withstanding a late charge which was snuffed out by a controversial 50-metre penalty that resulted in a sealing goal for Hayden McLean.
In what appeared a tough call against the Dogs, Laitham Vandermeer was penalised for knocking the ball out of McLean’s hands milliseconds after he had taken a mark.
Beveridge appeared shocked by the call at the time but bit his lip in his post-match press conference.
“What can you say? I’ll always make sure I don’t comment on the umpiring,” Beveridge said. “Whether it’s there or not I don’t really know, but ultimately the decision was made and we have to live with it.”
Anthony Scott of the Bulldogs and Harry Cunningham of the Swans collide.Credit: Getty Images
Beveridge said he was proud of how his team, down to just two fit men on the bench for the final 40 or so minutes, came back late coming off a five-day break after a slugfest in the wet last week.
“All in all, it showed great integrity in what the boys did,” Beveridge said.
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“Obviously, against a top side we had some bad luck, but you never lose and feel like a winner but in my books our players are winners tonight. I thought they were outstanding.”
The Swans head into their bye at least a game clear on top of the ladder after an excellent 10-1 start to their campaign.
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