Sydney Swans Turn the Tide in Gruelling MCG Clash Against Richmond
Just when the critics were beginning to write them off, the Sydney Swans reminded everyone that they still have plenty of fight left in them. Facing off against Richmond at the MCG for AFL Round 13, the Swans showed grit and resilience as they rebounded from a humiliating 90-point loss to Adelaide last week.
Early on, it looked like Richmond might ride their home ground advantage to an upset. The Tigers opened the game with real purpose, kicking three goals in the first quarter through Tim Taranto, Seth Campbell, and Dion Prestia. They surged to a 22–16 lead at quarter-time, outplaying Sydney in territory and pressure. Tim Taranto in particular looked sharp early, setting the tone for Richmond’s midfield.
But Sydney responded like a team with something to prove.
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Led by the electric Nick Blakey and Isaac Heeney, the Swans flipped the script in the second quarter. They surged in contested possession and upped the pressure across the field. James Jordan, Heeney, and Will Hayward all kicked goals in a dominant second term where Richmond were kept goalless — their only scoring coming from behinds. By halftime, Sydney held a 14-point lead, 5.9 (39) to Richmond’s 3.7 (25).
Thomas Sims had a chance to peg one back for the Tigers right before the siren, but his shot from close range struck the post, summing up Richmond’s frustrations in a low-energy second quarter.
It’s a tough pill to swallow for Tigers fans who watched their team look promising early, only to fade badly under the weight of Sydney’s renewed pressure and hunger. On the other hand, Swans supporters would’ve breathed a sigh of relief. After a week of scathing criticism — and even being labelled a “rabble” — this was the type of response you hope for.
Of course, the match wasn’t without its messy moments. Both teams were inaccurate in front of goal, and the general feeling was that this clash reflected two sides struggling to find consistency in a season slipping from their grasp. Still, Sydney did what needed to be done. Callum Mills, back from suspension, added much-needed leadership, and Nick Blakey was easily one of the most influential players on the ground.
It’s a big statement from Sydney — not just on the scoreboard, but in the message it sends: they’re not done yet. Finals may still be a long shot, but with performances like this, they’ve at least kept the door ajar. Richmond, meanwhile, will go back to the drawing board. Their young side is showing flashes of talent, but the second half of the season is going to be all about finding consistency and closing out games.
A game of two halves so far, and with plenty of football still to come this round, all eyes now turn to Geelong vs the Suns and GWS vs Port. But today, it was Sydney who walked away from the MCG with their heads held high.
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