Ranking The Sydney Swans 5 Greatest Victories Wins Since 1970

The Sydney Swans have seen plenty of highs and lows since their days at Lake Oval to their move to the vibrant Harbour City. Over the past 45 years, the Swans have experienced some challenging times, especially in the 1990s, but the relocation to Sydney has brought its rewards—five grand final appearances and two premiership titles. Beyond those September triumphs, there have been extraordinary home-and-away wins that remain etched in the memories of their loyal fans. Here are five standout victories that defined the Swans’ modern era.

1. Geelong v South Melbourne, Round 20, 1970 – Kardinia Park
In 1970, South Melbourne ventured to Kardinia Park in a crucial match with finals aspirations on the line. Sitting fourth on the ladder and just one game ahead of fifth-placed Geelong, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. After trailing by 23 points at quarter-time, the Swans surged back, leveling the scores at halftime before grinding out a dramatic seven-point win. It was their first victory at the venue since 1958. Peter Bedford, in a Brownlow-winning season, was sensational with 28 disposals and four goals. The Swans secured their long-awaited finals berth a week later, though their run ended at the hands of St Kilda in the first semi-final.

2. Sydney v Kangaroos, Round 4, 1999 – SCG
Coming off a humiliating defeat to Essendon, where Matthew Lloyd kicked 13 goals, Sydney’s season appeared doomed. Without star forward Tony Lockett, and trailing by eight goals close to halftime, few could predict what was to come. On a muddy SCG night, Sydney mounted a miraculous comeback, led by the relentless Stuart Maxfield and skipper Paul Kelly. Kelly broke two tackles to bring the Swans within a kick, while Maxfield’s brilliant left-foot snap gave them a one-point lead, eventually extended to a seven-point triumph. The victory reignited their season, proving pivotal in the Swans’ recovery to make the finals.

3. Sydney v Essendon, Round 17, 1987 – SCG
This victory sits within a historic three-week stretch where the Swans, under coach Tom Hafey, delivered an attacking masterclass, scoring 30 goals in three consecutive matches. The highlight was their monumental performance against Essendon, where Sydney posted 36.20 (236)—the second-highest score in VFL history at the time. Despite a tight first quarter, the Swans dominated thereafter, winning by 163 points. Warwick Capper, at his peak, kicked six goals as one of 11 multiple goalkickers. Such was Sydney’s dominance that Barry Mitchell, with 38 disposals and three goals, astonishingly missed out on Brownlow votes. Though they climbed to the top of the ladder, the Swans faltered late, exiting the finals in straight sets.

4. Carlton v Sydney, Round 1, 1990 – Princes Park
Facing Carlton at Princes Park—a venue where they hadn’t won in 25 years—Sydney looked set for disaster, trailing by 45 points under the clear skies of Royal Parade. But what followed was one of the club’s most stunning turnarounds. The Swans chipped away at the deficit, cutting it to 18 points at three-quarter time before a thrilling final term. A late goal by Barry Mitchell sealed a remarkable five-point win. Interestingly, both Mitchell and Greg Williams, who amassed 43 disposals and earned three Brownlow votes that day, would go on to represent Carlton later in their careers.

5. Brisbane Lions v Sydney, Round 3, 2005 – Gabba
During their golden era, the Brisbane Lions had built an almost impenetrable fortress at the Gabba, having reached four straight grand finals. In 2005, Sydney found themselves trailing by 32 points at three-quarter time, seemingly headed for defeat. But the Swans stormed home, inspired by Jude Bolton’s tenacity. With scores tied, Barry Hall was awarded a free kick for high contact, 20 metres out directly in front. As the final siren rang mid-run-up, Hall coolly slotted his fifth goal to snatch victory—Sydney’s only lead of the match. For Hall, it was déjà vu, having previously kicked a match-winner after the siren for St Kilda in 2001.

These unforgettable victories not only highlighted the Swans’ resilience but also reinforced their reputation for grit, determination, and breathtaking comebacks. For fans of the red and white, these moments remain cherished milestones in the club’s rich modern history