It was a tough day at the office for everyone in blue and gold and probably the only Eagle to win his position was veteran defender Brad Sheppard.

The 2020 All-Australian half-back had the task of nullifying dangerous Swans small forward Tom Papley and he completed his task with aplomb.

Papley was goal-less until three-quarter time before kicking two in junk time in the last quarter as Sydney piled on the pain.

Sheppard had 14 possessions and took seven marks, while Papley’s match statistics were nine touches and those two final term majors.