SYDNEY is incredibly into the top four after defeating ladder-leaders Adelaide by three points in a Friday night epic at Adelaide Oval.
A capacity crowd of 51,466 were treated to one of the games of the season as the Swans emerged victorious, 13.5 (83) to 11.14 (80).
Sam Reid and Tom Papley kicked the final two goals of a sensational contest that wouldn't have been out of place in September.
The Swans (13-8) have won 13 of their past 15 games to move up to fourth on the ladder ahead of Richmond on percentage.
A capacity crowd of 51,466 were treated to one of the games of the season as the Swans emerged victorious, 13.5 (83) to 11.14 (80).
Sam Reid and Tom Papley kicked the final two goals of a sensational contest that wouldn't have been out of place in September.
The Swans (13-8) have won 13 of their past 15 games to move up to fourth on the ladder ahead of Richmond on percentage.
It was a position unthinkable after last year's grand finalists lost their first six games of the season.
The Crows (15 wins, one draw, five losses) could drop to second if they lose to West Coast next week and Greater Western Sydney beat the Eagles and Geelong.
Swans skipper Josh Kennedy was superb in his first back from missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, racking up 31 possessions, including 18 contested, while Dan Hannebery (28) and Luke Parker (30, 19 contested) provided great assistance.
Champion forward Lance Franklin booted three goals, including a lung-busting effort down the wing that will be on highlight reels for years to come.
Franklin showed Crows defender Daniel Talia a clean pair of heels, picking the ball up at half-back, having two bounces on the wing, losing control of the ball, re-gathering and finishing on his left foot from 40m out.
Crows star Rory Sloane had a massive game with 20 of his 29 possessions contested, 14 tackles and nine clearances, shaking off the attentions of Isaac Heeney.
Out of contract star Mitch McGovern was the focal point of the Crows' attack with four goals, midfield mover Matt Crouch had 34 touches and Rory Laird (34 disposals) was busy across half-back.
The topic of home-town umpiring will again be in the news after the Crows finished the game with 28 free kicks to 14.
Several of those went against Heeney in his over-zealous attempts to keep Sloane quiet.
The Swans charged out of the gates, booting the opening four goals of the game to stun the home crowd.
Majors to Zak Jones and Kennedy extended the margin to 29 points early in the second term before the Crows kicked five unanswered goals to hit the front early in the third quarter.
But despite having the better of the game general play, inaccuracy in front of goal cost them dearly.
The Swans kicked 4.2 in the term compared to the Crows' 3.5 to take an 11-point advantage into the last change.
McGovern's fourth goal at the six-minute mark of the last term narrowed the gap to five points before skipper Taylor Walker put the Crows in front with a neat finish from the pocket.
However, the Swans rallied to compound the Crows' misery after last year's semi-final victory at the SCG.
Jones will have a nervous wait after being placed on report for a late hit on Brad Crouch in the back.
The Crows (15 wins, one draw, five losses) could drop to second if they lose to West Coast next week and Greater Western Sydney beat the Eagles and Geelong.
Swans skipper Josh Kennedy was superb in his first back from missing two weeks with a hamstring injury, racking up 31 possessions, including 18 contested, while Dan Hannebery (28) and Luke Parker (30, 19 contested) provided great assistance.
Champion forward Lance Franklin booted three goals, including a lung-busting effort down the wing that will be on highlight reels for years to come.
Franklin showed Crows defender Daniel Talia a clean pair of heels, picking the ball up at half-back, having two bounces on the wing, losing control of the ball, re-gathering and finishing on his left foot from 40m out.
Crows star Rory Sloane had a massive game with 20 of his 29 possessions contested, 14 tackles and nine clearances, shaking off the attentions of Isaac Heeney.
Out of contract star Mitch McGovern was the focal point of the Crows' attack with four goals, midfield mover Matt Crouch had 34 touches and Rory Laird (34 disposals) was busy across half-back.
The topic of home-town umpiring will again be in the news after the Crows finished the game with 28 free kicks to 14.
Several of those went against Heeney in his over-zealous attempts to keep Sloane quiet.
The Swans charged out of the gates, booting the opening four goals of the game to stun the home crowd.
Majors to Zak Jones and Kennedy extended the margin to 29 points early in the second term before the Crows kicked five unanswered goals to hit the front early in the third quarter.
But despite having the better of the game general play, inaccuracy in front of goal cost them dearly.
The Swans kicked 4.2 in the term compared to the Crows' 3.5 to take an 11-point advantage into the last change.
McGovern's fourth goal at the six-minute mark of the last term narrowed the gap to five points before skipper Taylor Walker put the Crows in front with a neat finish from the pocket.
However, the Swans rallied to compound the Crows' misery after last year's semi-final victory at the SCG.
Jones will have a nervous wait after being placed on report for a late hit on Brad Crouch in the back.
ADELAIDE 2.2 5.5 8.10 11.14 (80)
SYDNEY 5.1 7.1 11.3 13.5 (83)
SYDNEY 5.1 7.1 11.3 13.5 (83)
GOALS
Adelaide: McGovern 4, Betts 2, Sloane, M.Crouch, Lynch, Walker, Jenkins
Sydney: Franklin 3, Rohan 2, Reid 2, Tippett, Kennedy, Jack, Jones, McVeigh, Papley
BEST
Adelaide: Sloane, M.Crouch, Laird, Lynch, McGovern, Jacobs
Sydney: Franklin, Kennedy, Rampe, Hannebery, McVeigh, Smith
INJURIES
Adelaide: Talia (ankle)
Sydney: Nil
Reports: Zac Jones (Sydney) for rough conduct on Brad Crouch (Adel)
Umpires: Deboy, Donlon, Pannell
Official crowd: 51,466
