IN HIS 200th game, Lance Franklin has led Sydney to a 71-point victory over St Kilda, booting nine goals.

Sam Gilbert began the match on the spearhead, but when Alan Richardson pushed him forward, Luke Delaney assumed arguably the toughest job in football.

While Delaney fought manfully all afternoon, Franklin’s aerial dominance coupled with Sydney’s precise delivery, made the former Kangaroo’s job almost impossible.

Nick Riewoldt booted the first goal of the game, but it was to be one of only two first half majors for the away team, who generally struggled to keep up with a polished, hardened and slick Swans outfit.

But unlike the Saints skipper, who played further afield for much of the afternoon, Franklin was seemingly rooted to the forward 50 and rarely ventured beyond scoring distance. Remarkably, each of the ex-Hawk's 13 marks was clunked within 50 metres of Sydney's goal.

Jack Steven was St Kilda’s best, collecting 31 touches and registering seven clearances in a performance that demonstrated just how damaging last year’s best and fairest winner can be when fully fit.

Fellow midfielder David Armitage also worked hard in the clinches, while Jack Newnes re-affirmed his status as one of the Saints most improved players with 26 disposals and five rebound 50s off half back.

Great respect from @sydneyswans forming a guard of honour for @Len_hayes #AFLSwansSaints pic.twitter.com/wGnoGlQ1Em

— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) August 16, 2014

After amassing 14 possessions in the first term, Swans skipper Kieran Jack was closely followed by Maverick Weller and gathered just 11 further disposals in the final three quarters.

Jack is yet another significant scalp for Weller, who has enjoyed a superb debut season at St Kilda after beginning the year as a rookie.

Rhys Stanley was in and out of the game, but did manage to kick two classy goals from long-range which again illustrated his precocious and rare talents.