In the Footy Flashbacks series, Sydney Swans Media revisits moments in history involving the club’s round-by-round opposition.
History, nostalgia and memories form a special part of what makes Australian rules football great, and we hope the Footy Flashbacks series reignites some of your fondest Swans moments.
Round 20, 1999: Plugger farewells SCG
When Tony Lockett farewelled the SCG in Round 20, 1999, the greatest goal-kicker in the game’s history did so in fitting fashion, booting eight majors to lead Sydney to a 118-point win. The 34,299-strong crowd went delirious when Lockett launched off Adelaide’s Nathan Bassett to haul down a stellar grab, before slotting his fourth goal of the day. The 1987 Brownlow medallist played another three games at the club’s home venue when he emerged from retirement in 2002, but those appearances did not detract from the grandeur of the 1999 occasion.
2012 qualifying final: Swans outlast dogged Crows
The Swans began their triumphant 2012 finals campaign with a 29-point qualifying-final victory at Football Park. John Longmire’s men never trailed but the Crows were always a threat. Adam Goodes snared the Swans’ first two goals of the match and finished the game with three majors from 22 touches, while Ryan O’Keefe (37 possessions) and Josh Kennedy (35 disposals, one goal) were also crucial.
Round 22, 2017: Swans win a thriller
The Crows were in pole position on the ladder when the Swans arrived at Adelaide Oval for Round 22, 2017, but Sydney had won 13 of its last 15 games. This was billed as a heavyweight duel and the clash lived up to expectations. The Crows bagged the first three goals of the last term and led by nine points with just over five minutes remaining in the match, but goals to Sam Reid and Tom Papley delivered the Swans an at-the-death three-point win. Lance Franklin kicked one of the most stunning goals of his career on the trip to Adelaide, with the eventual 2017 Coleman Medal winner swooping on the Sherrin on the left wing, taking two bounces as he left Daniel Talia in his wake and nailing a goal off a tight angle from 40 metres out.
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