Sydney Swans VFL coach Damian Truslove has praised his side for their character-defining performance that saw them fightback from an 18-point deficit in the fourth quarter to record a 12.16 (88) to 9.13 (67) over Richmond. 

Showing enormous courage to record six unanswered goals in the fourth quarter, including two to Sam Wicks, who finished with 24 disposals and four majors, the Swans prevailed to record their second win of the season.

Truslove lauded the effort of the team’s senior players after losing close games in recent weeks - but their ability to perform under pressures in the dying stages shows vast improvement.

“I was wrapped with the boys, we have had a couple of close games recently against Geelong and Collingwood where we couldn’t quite get across the line but we did a lot right,” Truslove said.

"We had a really strong plan heading into the game and it was about what our best looks like.

“In the last quarter, under pressure, they executed really well and when most of our guys played really big roles. I thought they dug in really hard in that last quarter to kick six goals - it was really impressive.”

Ryan Clarke starred with 33 disposals and one goal, while Dylan Stephens finished with 32 possessions and eight tackles, but Truslove also attributed the win to the development of the younger players.

Hugo Hall-Kahan, who arrived in last year’s mid-season Draft, kicked a crucial goal in the dying stages to seal an enthralling win, while captain Jake Bartholomaeus played an integral role with 21 disposals.

Harry Arnold, Will Edwards, and Nic Shipley also dug deep in the final term as Richmond kicked no goals and were unable to withstand the Swans relentless raid inside 50.

“It’s been a good opportunity for a lot of our younger boys to get exposure at this level and get a lot of game time. It’s the only positive when getting injuries at our club.,” he said.

“They’re growing every week and they are experiencing close games, tough situations, and momentum wings, so they’re learning more and more.

“I thought in the last quarter, Sam Wicks and Ryan Clarke - our two experienced leaders were outstanding to help get us across the line.

“Nic Shipley - another experienced VFL player really stood up in that last quarter, as did Corey Warner in the first three quarters before he came off was solid as we well, but we had several other big contributors also.

While the Swans have had limited success in 2023, with injuries and suspension seeing a significant turnover of players from week-to-week, Truslove believes the win will ignite a fire in the Swans moving forward into the business end of the season.

“I think that win will give us a lot of confidence going into the rest of the season, I think the boys will grow,” he said.

“After a win, you may tend to work hard and train harder and then you get excited about the next game.

“We want to keep playing our Swans system and stick to the plan each week - if we stick to a plan we can be competitive in most games.”