A crowd of 39,238 fans flocked to the SCG as Alex Johnson played his first AFL match since the 2012 Grand Final last Saturday.

But while every onlooker marvelled at the never-say-die Swan as Sydney took on Collingwood, few rivalled the support of four ladies parked in the front row of the Churchill Stand.

Johnson’s mum and dad, brother and sister, uncles and aunties, girlfriend and a host of mates watched from the stands as the defender played his first game in 2136 days, completing an inspirational comeback from five knee reconstructions and a long list of other operations.

The wholehearted support of Swans defence coach Rhyce Shaw is also hard to match, a 2012 Premiership teammate and lifelong friend.

Shaw presented Johnson his No. 2 guernsey when he hung up the boots at the end of the 2015 season.

But few more could claim to be bigger supporters of the returning Swan than long-time members Lee Dawe, Jo Harland, Karen Chapman and Lisa Morrison.

All four travelled to Manuka Oval last July to see Johnson play his first game of football since March of 2014, a return to action 1736 days in the making as Sydney faced the Canberra Demons in the NEAFL.

As the proud quartet took up their seats at the SCG from the opening bounce of Sydney’s NEAFL clash with the Brisbane Lions last Saturday, a string of high-flying signs made clear their enormous support for Johnson.

Dawe praised Johnson’s fighting spirit ahead of the main game.

“It’s been a very tough journey,” Dawe said as the Swans went toe to toe with the Lions.

“I don’t think anyone should have to go through that. It’s been heartbreaking but to see him come through it is awesome.

“To see him out here and sharing his comeback with everyone will just be amazing. It will be an emotional night. I think it will lift the team as well.”

Dawe was right on the mark, with Johnson firing in his 46^th AFL appearance as the Swans clinched a thrilling two-point victory.

The 26-year-old kept towering Collingwood forward Mason Cox to one goal, collected 15 touches and 11 marks and was squeaky-clean off the boot.

The Swans played 142 games in the time Johnson spent in the wilderness.

Fourteen of the 21 players who ran out with the 2010 draftee in the Collingwood game hadn’t debuted when he had last played in the AFL.

Dawe said the Swans’ faith in Johnson was a reflection of his admirable character.

“It says a lot about AJ as a person that the Swans were persistent and stood by him,” Dawe said.

“It says a lot about him as a clubman and not only what he can give on the field but off.

“He’s just an amazing person. His perseverance, the effort and the dedication are huge, and the self-belief he’s shown is incredible.”