Sydney have stormed home with a seven-goal final-quarter blitz to stun Geelong by 17 points in the AFL match at GMHBA Stadium.
The Swans looked down and out when they trailed by 22 points at three-quarter time, having booted only one goal in the previous two terms.
Rookie Robbie Fox got the visitors up and going with a huge mark and goal early in the fourth quarter and his teammates responded, as they kicked away to win 12.14 (86) to 10.9 (69).
It was Sydney’s third straight victory at the stadium, which are also the only three matches the Cats have dropped in the past 21 on their home deck.
With Callum Sinclair holding sway early in the ruck against Rhys Stanley, the Swans were good value for their 15-point lead at quarter-time.
But the home side wrested the momentum back their way in the second term, booting four goals to nil to lead by by 12 points at the long change.
Geelong midfielder George Horlin-Smith was concussed early in the quarter and took no further part in the match.
Sydney’s only score of the second term was a behind following a dreadful error by Luke Parker.
The Swans midfielder took a strong mark at the top of the goalsquare but botched his simple set shot, allowing Zach Guthrie to get a finger on the ball while manning the mark.
Sydney finally broke their goalscoring drought midway through the third term.
But even then it required the intervention of the video official to determine that Isaac Heeney’s accidental back heel had crossed the goal line after the umpires had initially called a rushed behind.
Fox and Will Hayward booted two goals apiece in the one-sided final quarter as Sydney turned a 22-point deficit into a 17-point triumph for their fourth win of 2018.
Jordan Murdoch was reported just before halftime for a high bump on Heeney, although there didn’t appear to be any malice from the Geelong utility.
The Cats have another home game at GMHBA Stadium on Friday night against the GWS Giants, while the Swans’ next challenge is against North Melbourne at the SCG.
bloodssince1973
Guest
Well that was an incredible result. I must say that the comment on The Roar someone made really made me think last week - about the Bloods not having enough in the tank to go to war for Longmire again. But they do. I think the young blokes added a bit of go to the side. It is so good to see sustained success for the Swans for we old South supporters who never dreamed of us winning a flag again.
bloodssince1973
Guest
Well
Mark
Guest
Great win. Hi Cat (wherever you are)
Roger of Sydney
Guest
The Swans did to the Cats in the last quarter the same as hawthorn do to the Swans, just deny posession. Went out and came back to see Swans in front, great ballsie effort, cant do that every week though, bodies wont hold up
Ryan Geer
Roar Pro
Great game for the Swans, Kennedy back into the form we all know he's capable of. Also on the plus guys, it gives Longmuir confidence these other players such as Rohan, Hayward, Florent, Ronke, Papley etc can perform and the Swans don't need to be so Buddy Franklin centric.
User
Roar Rookie
I foolishly tipped Carlton, would be q clean sheet otherwise
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah, me too. I'm a bit behind as I missed a week in mine so have to take a few calculated risks, that was one that paid off.
User
Roar Rookie
Yep, tipped Sydney as they travel to kp very well
Paul D
Roar Guru
Sydney have a pretty good record in recent years against the Cats.
Aransan
Guest
Chris Scott to be fined for his comments? Surely this is a criticism of the umpires even if somewhat disguised.
BigAl
Guest
I have to admit that I was of the firm belief that this game was going to descend into yet another . . . junk time-goal fest - blowout result.! I was wrong ! - and I'm so glad I was wrong - a much needed fillip to my faith in AFL footy.
Kurt
Guest
Watching Geelong lose like that will never ever get boring!
Doctor Rotcod
Guest
The ABC commentators gave Sydney no hope at 3/4 time except to say,"Roll the dice,Longmire,who knows?" Seven goals to one in the last. Who knew Geelong would give up like that?
The veteran
Guest
This is the most boring footy season ever
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Fox on the run, sweet.
Matto
Guest
Chris "whingey" Scott complaining about umpires in a post match press conference. Shocking.