The Swans go into their mid-season break at the top of the ladder with a 10-1 record, but they struggled in Thursday night's 16.6 (102) to 12.16 (88) win at Marvel Stadium, despite the Bulldogs suffering three injuries.
The difference was the third term, when the Swans broke clear with five goals to one.
Warner kicked four goals, three of them in the second half, and took a candidate for mark of the year late in the third term.
He was outstanding after having much less of an impact in the first half.
"At halftime, they were really good, the Doggies. Their (midfielders) were all over us," said coach John Longmire.
"Chad played a little bit differently in that third quarter, he played a bit more forward.
"He was able to hit the scoreboard and was pretty dynamic. That is a good sign, that he's able to switch on like that and get himself going in that second half. It was a credit to him.
"We need to find a way when we're not at our best, individually and as a team. Chad's second half was fantastic."
Longmire praised Warner's big mark, deadpanning that it was "a reasonable jump".
The Swans coach was often animated in the box during the game and it would give them some areas to work on once they are back from their mid-season break.
"I said to the players I think the break has come at a good time. Not that it matters," Longmire said.
"They've had a good, strong block of footy, a couple of days to re-set.
"We didn't play as well as what we would have liked. We were well beaten in the contest.
"There are a few things to come out of that, when we're back from the break and dissect, which is probably a good thing."
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