Richards said after the game that his side would need lift several gears quickly against top-of-the-ladder Hawthorn next Friday night.
"That’s the standard. Finals footy. We had a taste and it's a real wake-up call for us of what's expected," Richards said.
"Hawthorn. Six days. Friday night football. We better turn it around pretty quickly."
The Swans defender was one of the few shining lights on the night. He kept Cats spearhead Tom Hawkins to just seven possessions and no goals, while helping himself to 21 of his own.
However, Richards said the Swans never really got close to challenging the high-octane Cats.
"It was really disappointing. We wanted to come down here and test ourselves against one of the best and Geelong just got off to a flyer," he said.
"We were never really in it. Maybe in the third (quarter) we had a little bit of momentum, but like any good team they just came straight back at us.
"I think the scoreboard was probably not a true reflection of the game - if they kicked accurately it could have been a far bigger win."
The Swans were outhunted by a hungrier Geelong, according to Richards.
The Cats dominated the tackle count (95-65) and set the tone early in the game with frenzied pressure around the ball. They also had considerably more possessions than the Swans. (433-349)
"It was one of the first things (Sydney Swans coach) John (Longmire) brought up after the game," he said.
"They had the majority of the ball throughout the game and despite that they still had 30 more tackles than us. So I think that's a reflection of effort – they wanted it more."
Despite the doom and gloom, Richards said the club was confident it would have a much better showing next week and once finals kick in.
"If you look at this time last year we finished off the season playing some quality teams and it was a bit of a wake-up call for us and we were able to turn it around quickly, so we know we can," he said.
"It's just we don't want to be losing games at this time of year."
Go into the inner sanctum of our unbelievable win over the Giants in the Qualifying Final at the SCG.
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BTS: Our epic comeback win over Collingwood
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"It's a dream come true" - Reid
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The brutal final training session of 2024 | Inside Sydney
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As we reflect on the club's 150 year history, which began in South Melbourne in 1874 and then to the Harbour City in 1982, we are highlighting the greats in the Swans Hall of Fame.
Hall of Fame Bio: William Faul
As we reflect on the club's 150 year history, which began in South Melbourne in 1874 and then to the Harbour City in 1982, we are highlighting the greats in the Swans Hall of Fame.
Vale Raymond Jones
We extend our condolences to the family of Raymond Jones, who played a leading role in the club's longstanding partnership with QBE.
2024 Financial Result
Record crowds, record membership and strong on-field performance have combined to put the club in a positive financial position.