The Sydney Swans have comeback from a 36 point deficit and defeated Richmond by 9 points in a thrilling encounter at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The first half saw the Tigers completely dominate and outplay Sydney. The Swans forward line could best be described as dysfunctional whereas Richmond were able to move the ball into their forward 50 and post scoreboard pressure. Sydney could only post three goals for the first half, which included a miserable 4 behinds in the first quarter.

Richmond’s Bachar Houli was solid as. He had 28 disposal and laid 6 tackles. Photo: Jodie Newell

Youngster Chai Bolton was superb and typical of the Tigers set up in season 2017, with small running type players slotting goals. Bolton kicked two goals in the first quarter, whilst Richmond kept the Swans goaless and led with 5 goals to 4 behinds.

A good example of the Tiger’s early pressure with Sydney’s Tom Papley under the pump. Photo: Jodie Newell

Led by midfielders in Bachar Houli, Dustin Martin and a stout defence from Alex Rance, it looked like the Tigers would simply be too powerful for Sydney and any talk of the Swans being back into finals contention was all but over.

Tigers defender Alex Rance was outstanding against Sydney goal kicking ace Lance Franklin. Photo: Jodie Newell

The third quarter saw Sydney slowly but surely get themselves back into the game. Their structure were more disciplined, they stuck to their men and pressured the Richmond midfield. Kicks were placed under pressure and the Swans gradually ate away at the Tigers lead. An exasperated coach in Damien Hardwick could be seen standing up and pacing back and forth in the coaches box sensing that the game was slipping out of his sides grasp.

Trent Cotchin (facing) did well for the Tigers. He kept Josh Kennedy quiet for most of the game. Photo: Jodie Newell

Gary Rohan, Nick Newman, Zak Jones and Alex Lloyd were getting plenty of the leather. Sam Naismith and Callum Sinclair were dominating in the ruck . The second effort by players was forcing Richmond turnovers. In an amazing final quarter goal from Tom Papley, Dean Towers kicked a ball that was smothered yet Towers chased after the ball and Papley was able to finish off a goal from his superb effort. This play epitomized the desperation and work ethic of the Sydney Swans.

Sydney’s Nic Newman & Callum Sinclair contest for a mark. Photo: Jodie Newell

The Tigers clawed back via a superb goal from Jack Riewoldt, but the Swans answered via a brilliant Josh Kennedy goal from the 50 metre arc and Sydney were back in the game. Kieran Jack snapped a superb banana goal to put the Swans in the lead and then minutes later Gary Rohan sealed the deal with a goal in front and the game was Sydney’s.

It was an incredible comeback after Richmond led by 36 points and looked to have the game in hand.

Sam Reid was handy for the Swans. He took 10 marks and booted 2 goals. Photo: Jodie Newell

In the Swans sheds, the team song was belted in true Sydney passion. Club legend, Bob Skilton could be seen in the rooms with a massive grin, as the boys performed with gusto.

Swans club legend Bobby Skilton was in the rooms to savoir an exciting win with Kieren Jack. Photo: Jodie Newell

Coach John Longmore was beaming and claimed the win was one of the best in his career. He cited the efforts of youngsters in Nic Newman and Will Hayward, and that his more experienced players such as Josh Kennedy and Kieran Jack who had been quiet, lifted when it was required later in the game.

One of the best comeback wins. Sydney coach John Longmire post-game. Photo: Jodie Newell

An obviously disappointed, but philosophic Richmond coach in Damien Hardwick believed his team was a much better side than last season yet lamented the fact that the Tigers weren’t able to sustain their earlier first half effort.

Swans midfielder Kieran Jack was upbeat after the game. He said whilst it was a thrilling win, there was still plenty of improvement and that his team were capable of making a difference to the finals make up come September.

Cheer, Cheer The Red & The White! The Sydney boys sing a rousing rendition of the club song. Photo: Jodie Newell

The win sees the Sydney Swans (5-7) back in finals contention. They are now placed at 12th position on the AFL standings and are only 4 points outside the final eight. Their next game is against the eighth placed Essendon (6-6) on Friday night at the Sydney Cricket Ground