“That’s probably the closest we’ve got to the Nomads in 10 years so that’s a positive,” Kelly said, adding that there were “lots of positives and not too many negatives”.

“We stuck it right to them I thought,” he said.

“For 10 minutes I think they were on top on top of us but besides that it was probably a pretty even contest.”

The period he was referring to came in the second quarter and saw the Nomads open up a 30 point lead at the main break after only a point split the two at quarter-time.

It proved the difference with the Swans matching the Nomads in the second half.

Nick Locke, Angus Quail and Dave Richards all booted four goals for the visitors, while Gavin Knee commemorated his milestone game for the Swans with five in a strong performance with the stalwart figuring among the home sides best.

“When we moved Dunny (Liam Dunn) out of fullback that freed him up a bit and he went really well I thought,” Kelly said.

“Gav Knee was really good in his 200th game and young Connor Betts did a good job in a tagging role.”

He spoke of the growing confidence in the group and the expectation that comes with that, admitting to a few nerves on Saturday morning.

“We’re sort of starting to expect to win and stick it to these teams,” he said.

“There were a few disappointed blokes, but you’ve got to hold your head up. We’ve come a long way and we’re doing really well.”

The Swans despite the loss remain in fourth but have a couple of must win games coming up.

Marli Gobbert meanwhile booted eight as the Inverell Saints hammered the Moree Suns 31.30-226 to 2.1-13, while the Gunnedah Bulldogs thumped the Narrabri Eagles 181-34.