It's getting harder and harder to keep a lid on the excitement bubbling away at Arden St. After the weekend's 16-point win over the Swans, who can blame Roos fans for daring to dream in 2007?

Saturday night's brave victory had it all. The match was book-ended by a seven-goal burst in the opening term and a brave effort to stave off the fast-finishing Swans in a tense final quarter. In between, there was some tough, tight football against a team that prides itself on winning all the important one-on-one contests.

Even when the boys got out to a 39-point lead, you knew the Swans would hit back hard. If recent history is any guide, Roos fans could be forgiven for thinking that we might be about to witness another injustice when the Barry Hall-inspired comeback did inevitably occur.

But while a comfortable seven-goal win would have made that last quarter a bit more relaxing, you get the feeling we learnt a bit more about the boys after they were forced to stare down the fast-finishing Swans, who snuck to within four points late in the game.

But, as was the case against Geelong last week, this team looks to have manufactured that extra bit of steel in the wake of some heartbreaking losses last year and in the early stages of 2007. Two late goals sealed what was a well-deserved victory.

So where do we start with the positives? Or, more to the point, where do we finish?

Of the older brigade, Shannon Grant played his best game for the season, booting four goals at crucial stages throughout the match, including the sealer late in the final term. Brent Harvey was also important in the second half, while Glenn Archer was his usual uncompromising self.

Of the rapidly developing middle tier, Daniel Wells continued to establish himself as a leader of the club and a genuine star of the competition with yet another impressive display. Despite being shadowed all night by Jared Crouch, one of the toughest and most disciplined taggers in the game, Wellsy managed to deliver an even contribution across the four quarters and broke the match open at various stages with his gliding runs through the midfield.

The backline again stood up to the challenge of playing out of their weight division, with Mick Firrito doing an outstanding job on Barry Hall. This was one of the more absorbing duels of the evening and, despite Hall's last-quarter heroics, you'd have to give the points to the man they call Spud. He was well helped late in the piece by Josh Gibson, who effected a couple of game-saving spoils when he was one-out with the Swans' spearhead. Not a bad feat considering he has played just 15 games of senior football.

Of the less experienced types, Aaron Edwards was tireless across half-forward, hauling in 11 marks in another emphatic display. Hamish McIntosh was not as dominant as he has been in past weeks, but he was again impressive against the seasoned ruck duo of Darren Jolly and Spida Everitt.

Matt Campbell was a livewire right through the night, turning in what must be one of the best ever five-possession games in Kangaroos' colours. His tackling, chasing and ability to make a contest when he was outsized or seemingly out of position exemplified the Roos' spirit and approach to the game.

Jesse Smith's long-awaited return from injury was another positive to savour, his cool decision-making and precision disposal late in the game crucial in the end result.

As far as the team goes, it is interesting to note that despite all the pre-season warnings about the side's lack of forward firepower, Dean Laidley's men have scored the equal-third most points for the season, averaging just under 95 a game.

There can be no doubt this attacking brand of footy has brought out the best in the club's supporters, with the Roos' loyal fans generating enormous noise during the excitement of the last quarter. You get the impression this might have helped the lads across the line in the tension of a ripping last quarter.

But on to next week, the boys' last home game in Melbourne until round 13. Let's show the boys our appreciation for their stunning past few weeks by coming out in force against perhaps the club's fiercest rivals, Essendon.