The Swampies failed to score a goal in the opening half as the Saints opened up a 33-point lead at the main break.

Former AFL player Cameron Cloke made a one-off appearance for the Swampies.

Swampies coach Joel Price swung the changes at half-time, including switching Cloke from up forward and into the ruck.

Damian Cupido also played across half-back after having little impact up forward in the first-half.

The home side booted six goals to two in the second-half as the Saints held on to win 7.14 (56) to 6.10 (46).

Saints coach Kade Stevens said the victory was a lot more gritty than pretty.

"It was fairly blustery conditions which made scoring difficult," Stevens said.

"But sometimes you just have to grind out a win, take the four points and move on.

"Today was one of them."