The Sydney Swans have won a thriller at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, defeating the Richmond Tigers by 9 points in a match destined for classic status.
The Swans came from 35 points down early in the second quarter, before they launched a second-half assault, kicking nine goals to Richmond’s three in the last two quarters.
Richmond started strongly, keeping the Swans goalless in the first quarter, while they slotted five goals, and an extra two in the second.
Sydney kept coming, however, after a couple of quick goals from the Tigers in the third, before booting the last eight of nine goals to grab the lead late in the last quarter, with a Gary Rohan snap with 10 seconds left sealing the deal for the Swans.
Lance Franklin was held well by Alex Rance, with the Tiger winning the individual battle, but Franklin had the last laugh.
Franklin himself was reported for rough conduct, but it is expected that he will be cleared for any wrongdoing.
For Richmond, it is now the fourth time that they have lost by less than 10 points, and it represents a missed opportunity for the Tigers to cement themselves inside the top four.
The best for the Swans were Sam Reid, Dan Hannebery and Nic Newman, whilst Zac Jones was solid down back.
For Richmond, Trent Cotchin and Bachar Houli had the equal most disposals with 28, while Shai Bolton kicked his first two goals of his AFL career, and Alex Rance was strong down back.
The Swans now sit one match outside the eight at 12th, a stunning position considering they were 0-6 to start off the season, and Richmond, while still in the top four, risk sliding down the ladder after this round.
Sydney now will travel back home for a Friday night clash at the SCG against Essendon, and Richmond will face Carlton at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
Final score
Sydney 12.8 80
Richmond 10.11 71
bobburra
Guest
I am not under playing the swans here in coming from behind to win, however I would question the "top 4 side" comment about the tigers. Unfortunately Richmond in my opinion have an "monkey on their back" that is becoming a burden. One really has no idea whether they are a poor side trying very hard to make good, or a good side that falls back too often into old habits.I think one point with the Swans that a lot people have overlooked this season is that they are a proven finals team, as against Richmond who have a sorry record in finals.I for one was more confident in the swans winning than the tigers.
Cat
Roar Guru
Doesn't everyone do that to the Tigers this year?
RichardLoooooong
Guest
I think it's more the manner with which they won. - Young side - Come from behind - 35 points down...literally on the canvas - at the G - Against a Top 4 side. - HUGE!
Bloodsman
Guest
Stranger things have happened. Go Bloods.
Milo
Roar Rookie
BFS you should realize by now that Hardwick is not a great coach. He's a nice bloke, loved by the players but that's not going to get it done. You wonder how much positive influence this year has been down to Caracella, Leppa and Balmey. And if its more than 50% i fail to see why Hardwick is there. We struggled on Saturday after half time and started to revert to the old chipping game. Why ? Surely it was not under direction? If it was that's ridiculous, if it wasn't it means that they're still needing more discipline in executing the game plan. Either way, not a great reflection of the coaching. We're probably where we should be overall. Struggle will really be on to remain in eight now. Carlton game is absolutely season defining. Lose that and we are in real trouble with Port over there following.
Milo
Roar Rookie
Hahaha cos you beat Richmond? Dream on.
Swannies
Guest
Swans looking good for another flag!
Paul2
Guest
"The football gods sure do hate us." Don't be so sure. I reckon 14 wins might get you into the top 4 this year; normally you need 16.
Paul2
Guest
I think that's a little harsh. You may have periods of dominance against those quality teams, but those periods aren't likely to last for the whole game. Good teams won't allow that. Still, I can see it'd be frustrating to keep surrounding leads in the way the Tigers have. All up, though, I think Richmond fans should be positive about where they're at. Still an even money chance to finish top 4. You'd have taken that at the start of the season without thinking twice.
Paul2
Guest
Best win of the season by far - great stuff. That Nic Newman is a serious footballer.
Paul2
Guest
Ease up. Given our recent encounters at the MCG, you can't begrudge us some enjoyment at finally winning one.
Philby
Guest
What a sad individual - gets his joy from the pain of others.
Philby
Guest
I'm not sure about the messaging coming from Hardwick when he says we will never win by 10 goals. Surely if we are good enough to get 5 goals ahead of Bulldogs, GWS and Swans, then we are good enough to get 10 goals ahead. Or is the game plan to get 5 goals ahead and then set up defensively to stave off the (inevitable?) comeback by the opposition. I don't get it. The message from Dimma that our games will always be close seems to be self-fulfilling, more than anything else. Let's just win in a canter for a change. Why? Because we can.
bobburra
Guest
I've said it before, and I will keep saying it, "Good sides come from behind to win, better sides don't lose from winning positions". Richmond, & Hardwick especially, take note. You cannot keep losing games likes this and keep saying you are a "genuine/good side" chance for the finals.
Mark
Guest
Happy even if we don't make finals. Beating the Tigers at the G is all I need from a season, especially when it's another glorious choke.
Mitcher
Guest
Indulge me my unabashed whinge when I should be celebrating (and am). But one pleasure the commentators finally having to get off the ad nauseum 'Tiger Army' bellows eventually late in the game.
Jon boy
Guest
Hardwick still telling us how good a coach he is Pathetic decision to award free against Buddy for a push in the chest Alex was the instigator Where would Tigers be without Rance?
big four sticks
Guest
Gutted...absolutely gutted. Hardwick is obviously still not training us for these situations. The football gods sure do hate us.