Best 5 Swans wins from the modern era

[Doctor]

Thoughts?

http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/high-five-the-swans-best-wins-from-the-modern-era-20151230-glx2ts

[Sandridge]

My Dad started taking me to Swans games in 1961 and there are many wins that have stayed in the memory. A come from behind win against Collingwood at the Lake Oval in 1970 has a very, very special place in my heart!

Presuming we leave out the Premierships though, I've always thought our win in the 2003 Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide was our greatest victory. No-one gave us a hope in hell and we'd lost Mickey O to injury the week before. A magnificent win!

[707]

Finals qualify for all five because they actually mean something against the best just as desperate opposition, mostly no next week in these games.

Both GF wins just because we were underdogs and because they resulted in the cup.

The QF/SF win in 2003 against Port in Adelaide when we were severely understrength against the flag favourites.

1996 Prelim for the bloody obvious reason that two years before we won one game and now we were in the GF.

2006 QF against the "well fuelled" WCE in Perth.

[Plugger46]

This was purely H&A victories.

R13 1996 against Carlton at Princes Park should be in there somewhere.

[liz]

This was purely H&A victories.

R13 1996 against Carlton at Princes Park should be in there somewhere.

There were many magical games from 1996. I suspect part of it was that Swans fans weren't used to following a successful team, and hence every great victory seemed special. But yes, that Carlton game stands out, even amongst the many other memorable wins that year.

Another favourite of mine was the 1998 game against Port at the SCG. Kelly did his knee in the first half, and the team looked on the ropes. But they lifted, and Plugger, in particular had an outstanding second half. He kicked 12 goals for the game and, from memory, nine came in the second half. A couple were monster kicks that even Buddy would have been impressed with.

[Scottee]

My Dad started taking me to Swans games in 1961 and there are many wins that have stayed in the memory. A come from behind win against Collingwood at the Lake Oval in 1970 has a very, very special place in my heart!

Presuming we leave out the Premierships though, I've always thought our win in the 2003 Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide was our greatest victory. No-one gave us a hope in hell and we'd lost Mickey O to injury the week before. A magnificent win!
I was there at the 1970 win over Collingwood .We were 19 points down with three and a half minutes to go. The ground was packed to beyond its capacity. The atmosphere was electric because the Swans knew they were a chance against a then dominant Collingwood.

Norm Smith had made the players believe in themselves.

As I recall it Stevey Hoffman put us in front by 1 point. The victory was made all the more sweet because Collingwood had just kicked the ball which was marked by Peter McKenna in front of goal but the siren had sounded when the ball was in mid air and the mark was disallowed. A delicious game!

[Sandridge]

I was there at the 1970 win over Collingwood .We were 19 points down with three and a half minutes to go. The ground was packed to beyond its capacity. The atmosphere was electric because the Swans knew they were a chance against a then dominant Collingwood.

Norm Smith had made the players believe in themselves.

As I recall it Stevey Hoffman put us in front by 1 point. The victory was made all the more sweet because Collingwood had just kicked the ball which was marked by Peter McKenna in front of goal but the siren had sounded when the ball was in mid air and the mark was disallowed. A delicious game!

So great to share a wonderful memory with another RWOer.
In those days, spectators were allowed to jump the fence before the end of the game, ready to run onto the ground at the final siren. I had jumped the fence with a few minutes to go, disappointed to have lost but happy with an honourable defeat against the flag favourites. Couldn't believe at as we kicked the last few goals to just pip the Pies. Yes, it was definitely Stevie Hoffman who kicked the last goal and yes, Peter McKenna took a mark a split second after the siren went. My memory is that, in frustration, he threw the ball on his boot and it sailed right through the middle!

[YvonneH]

[QUOTE=707;688701]
The QF/SF win in 2003 against Port in Adelaide when we were severely understrength against the flag favourites.

This game is being replayed this week (Thurs or Fri?) on Fox Footy's 'Guest Programmer - Barry Hall'. I will be recording it as it is one that I do not have on DVD.

[Conor_Dillon]

2012 in Tassie against the Hawks...to come from 5ish goals down to win by plenty against the best team at a place they simply don't lose is pretty special. The team took a heap of belief out of that and I'm not sure we would have won the flag without it...from memory a bloke running around in #37 had an absolute blinder as well!

[Doctor]

2012 in Tassie against the Hawks...to come from 5ish goals down to win by plenty against the best team at a place they simply don't lose is pretty special. The team took a heap of belief out of that and I'm not sure we would have won the flag without it...from memory a bloke running around in #37 had an absolute blinder as well!

That's a good call. I was at that game too, and it was my birthday. Sweet as!

I should have noted when I posted the link that it was H&A games only. Thanks for pointing that out Plugger46.

[Conor_Dillon]

The win at Simmonds stadium under tragic circumstances to break the cats 29 (?) game winning streak there also warrants a mention...one of the more emotional wins you'll see.

[poundpuppy]

I was there at the 1970 win over Collingwood .We were 19 points down with three and a half minutes to go. The ground was packed to beyond its capacity. The atmosphere was electric because the Swans knew they were a chance against a then dominant Collingwood.

Norm Smith had made the players believe in themselves.

As I recall it Stevey Hoffman put us in front by 1 point. The victory was made all the more sweet because Collingwood had just kicked the ball which was marked by Peter McKenna in front of goal but the siren had sounded when the ball was in mid air and the mark was disallowed. A delicious game!

I was there too! I was quite young and Dad took me to the games but it was our first at Victoria Park and not knowing any better we stood on the infamous hill. I did wonder why I was the only one wearing red and white and I think it was only my young age that enabled us both to make it out alive after Stevie got us over the line!

[cartman48]

Best Swans win I have seen was beating Melbourne at the SCG to break a 26 game losing streak. I can't remember dates etc.....

[Plugger46]

There were many magical games from 1996. I suspect part of it was that Swans fans weren't used to following a successful team, and hence every great victory seemed special. But yes, that Carlton game stands out, even amongst the many other memorable wins that year.

Another favourite of mine was the 1998 game against Port at the SCG. Kelly did his knee in the first half, and the team looked on the ropes. But they lifted, and Plugger, in particular had an outstanding second half. He kicked 12 goals for the game and, from memory, nine came in the second half. A couple were monster kicks that even Buddy would have been impressed with.

Yeah, that was a cracker. He was such a magnificent kick but that's one of the rare times I can recall him kicking 50+. Probably didn't get it that far out too often in truth!

Few others which are personal favourites:

1993 vs Melbourne - First win I can remember seeing. Only win for the year. Osborne with 10.
1994 vs Melbourne - Stormed over the top of the Dees in a rare win. Dermie's first game for the club. Kicked two big goals in the last quarter. Unfortunately they were the last good Swans related things he did.
1995 vs Collingwood - 5 goals behind at half-time with the Pies looking like they'd sneak into 8th spot. Enter T.Lockett to deny them, much to the delight of the Bears..
1997 vs Essendon - Seemingly out of the game mid-way through the last quarter as Essendon got out to a 4 goal lead. Bruce even said "it's the Bombers Day". Mark Bayes who had been having a quiet day kicked 3 last quarter goals to drag us over the line by a point.
2003 vs Collingwood - Loved this one. We played sensational footy for 3 quarters with Goodesy and MickyO starring. The Pies rallied late before Davo kicked the sealer in his first game against his old club.
2011 vs Geelong - Geelong at Geelong. Enough said.
2015 vs Hawthorn - Loved it.

[goswannies]

1987 consecutive wins against West Coast, Easendon & Richmond at the SCG kicking over 30 goals each game & averaging over 200 points a game over those 3 rounds. Love watching them every now and then :)

[Doctor J.]

I was there too! I was quite young and Dad took me to the games but it was our first at Victoria Park and not knowing any better we stood on the infamous hill. I did wonder why I was the only one wearing red and white and I think it was only my young age that enabled us both to make it out alive after Stevie got us over the line!

That 1970 Collingwood game was at the Lake Oval. Magical in all respects. There are 2 wins, no actually 3 wins that stand out for me in that year. Round 5 or 6 smashing Carlton by 77 pts, the said 1pt win against Collingwood, and the "apple core" game against Geelong at Kardinia Park. For those not old enough, Geelong's full forward Doug Wade was lining up for goal and as he kicked the ball someone threw an apple, which hit the ball causing it to miss the goals and only register a point. Swans would go on to win by 7 pts and by doing so qualify for their first finals appearance in 25 years.

Ah memories!!!

But on to modern times as the thread is intended.

Most of them have already been mentioned.

Special mention to the following games:
A Vic Park game where we got up by 5pts or 1 pt. I can't remember the year, but I do remember Barry Mitchell slotting home the winner after getting a free kick. The locals went berserk.

Final round 1996. Kicking against the wind on a freezing night. The "Syyyyyydddddnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeyy" chant was born.

1999 Game against Kangas Down by about 6 goals at half time, and Kelly played a blinder to get us home.

Can't forget the Plugger 1300 game. Although I wasn't there and the dribble coming from commentators Dunstall & McAvaney killed a lot of the enjoyment.

One last one that sits in my memory bank for no other reason that it pissed off multiple Collingwood supporters. 2001 Rd 10 against Collingwood. We were out on our feet leading by about 20pts going into the last quarter, Dunks had been smashed and was on one leg. Heath James did another hammy and was out of the game, I forget what Cressa did but he was also a bench sitter, and a few others Luffy and Kirky were also carrying some injury. In the last qtr Rocket simply throws everyone back and the players responded with one of the best ever quarters of defence I can remember, then deep in the last we are down to under a two goal lead, and Willo sprints from defence and takes a long shot from well outside 50. Bang!!! We are home, high 5's all round, make mine a large one and enjoy the train trip home on the Epping line Pies fans. Glorious victory.

[Markus26]

I was in awe watching the Swans kick 10 goals in the final term against the Dees in 2003. I thought they were sure to lose, but after seeing that, you never say never when the Swans are playing. Swans' final burst pays off - realfooty.com.au (http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/04/25/1050777412108.html)

[neilfws]

Best Swans win I have seen was beating Melbourne at the SCG to break a 26 game losing streak. I can't remember dates etc.....

That would be this game (http://afltables.com/afl/stats/games/1993/111619930627.html), June 27 1993. Would like to have seen it!

Good wins are often those where teams come from behind at the end of Q3 to win, which is something I looked at a while ago (http://rpubs.com/neilfws/46033) (just scroll down to the tables near the end if the geeky stuff is not your thing). I see last years round 1 game v the Bombers is now at number 4 in the "best turnarounds", but I don't know that was such a great game. My favourite in that table is the Anzac day game v Melbourne in 2003, with the storming 10 goal final quarter. Also happens to be the first game I attended, good memories.

[Cheer_Cheer]

One of my faves was against the Roos at the SCG in 2002. The crowd had gone quiet as the Kangas were in front (only by a few points) and the final siren was imminent. Then Cressa steps in and milks a free kick by pushing a young Roo around. The young Roo retaliated a little too hard with Cressa ending up on the turf. Cressa puts it through after the siren. I have never seen a crowd erupt in so much jubilation. That was an emotional roller coaster ride.

[707]

Guest programmer month on Fox Footy, Barry Hall and Gerard Healy have some classic Swans games back as far as the 1996 Prelim. The 2003 QF against the odds against Port Adelaide was on just now - epic stuff!

[Sandridge]

That 1970 Collingwood game was at the Lake Oval. Magical in all respects. There are 2 wins, no actually 3 wins that stand out for me in that year. Round 5 or 6 smashing Carlton by 77 pts, the said 1pt win against Collingwood, and the "apple core" game against Geelong at Kardinia Park. For those not old enough, Geelong's full forward Doug Wade was lining up for goal and as he kicked the ball someone threw an apple, which hit the ball causing it to miss the goals and only register a point. Swans would go on to win by 7 pts and by doing so qualify for their first finals appearance in 25 years.

Ah memories!!!

So wonderful to know that there are a few RWOers old enough to remember that wonderful 1970 season!

That Carlton game was the game where people realised that we were genuine contenders and the Geelong game was a thriller that helped cement our place in the four. If I remember rightly, our win against Fitzroy at the Lake Oval a week later meant that we couldn't be dislodged from the four, even though there was still one round to go. (Maybe wrong on that!)

After a 25 year drought, we had made the finals!! Who'd have thought then that it would be another 26 years before we would actually win a final?

[Bloods05]

So wonderful to know that there are a few RWOers old enough to remember that wonderful 1970 season!

That Carlton game was the game where people realised that we were genuine contenders and the Geelong game was a thriller that helped cement our place in the four. If I remember rightly, our win against Fitzroy at the Lake Oval a week later meant that we couldn't be dislodged from the four, even though there was still one round to go. (Maybe wrong on that!)

After a 25 year drought, we had made the finals!! Who'd have thought then that it would be another 26 years before we would actually win a final?

No, you are absolutely right about the Fitzroy win. I remember hanging on every possession in that last quarter, and it was a close-run thing, four points as I recall. Another vivid memory I have is of reading Alf Brown's report of the Carlton game in the Melbourne Herald, where he said he hadn't seen a Swans team play like that since 1933. Brown had an acerbic turn of phrase and had never rated the Swans very highly, so it was a real thrill to read that.

[Scottee]

That 1970 Collingwood game was at the Lake Oval. Magical in all respects. There are 2 wins, no actually 3 wins that stand out for me in that year. Round 5 or 6 smashing Carlton by 77 pts, the said 1pt win against Collingwood, and the "apple core" game against Geelong at Kardinia Park. For those not old enough, Geelong's full forward Doug Wade was lining up for goal and as he kicked the ball someone threw an apple, which hit the ball causing it to miss the goals and only register a point. Swans would go on to win by 7 pts and by doing so qualify for their first finals appearance in 25 years.

Ah memories!!!

But on to modern times as the thread is intended.

Most of them have already been mentioned.

Special mention to the following games:
A Vic Park game where we got up by 5pts or 1 pt. I can't remember the year, but I do remember Barry Mitchell slotting home the winner after getting a free kick. The locals went berserk.

Final round 1996. Kicking against the wind on a freezing night. The "Syyyyyydddddnnnnnnneeeeeeeeeyy" chant was born.

1999 Game against Kangas Down by about 6 goals at half time, and Kelly played a blinder to get us home.

Can't forget the Plugger 1300 game. Although I wasn't there and the dribble coming from commentators Dunstall & McAvaney killed a lot of the enjoyment.

One last one that sits in my memory bank for no other reason that it pissed off multiple Collingwood supporters. 2001 Rd 10 against Collingwood. We were out on our feet leading by about 20pts going into the last quarter, Dunks had been smashed and was on one leg. Heath James did another hammy and was out of the game, I forget what Cressa did but he was also a bench sitter, and a few others Luffy and Kirky were also carrying some injury. In the last qtr Rocket simply throws everyone back and the players responded with one of the best ever quarters of defence I can remember, then deep in the last we are down to under a two goal lead, and Willo sprints from defence and takes a long shot from well outside 50. Bang!!! We are home, high 5's all round, make mine a large one and enjoy the train trip home on the Epping line Pies fans. Glorious victory.

Mate, if I can remember it then its modern. OK?

[Sandridge]

With all this discussion of the wonderful 1970 season, I'm disappointed in myself for only just remembering another great game from the 70s - Round 14, 1973. We beat Geelong at the Lake Oval and it ended a drought of 29 games without a win. It's an old clich� I know but it really was just like winning a Grand Final. Our coach, Graeme John, was mobbed after the game and I will never forget the sight of an old man who, along with everyone else, jumped the fence after the final siren. He was singing the theme song with the cheer squad, tears streaming down his face.
Anyone else remember that game?

[i'm-uninformed2]

Still on hols so got home from golf today and watched the 03 Port game and final vs WC in 06. It's easy to forget at his best (05 GF anyone) what a player Fosdike was. Ran and ran and ran like Hanners.

[YvonneH]

My observations from 03 Qual Final vs Port:
- What an accurate kick Barry Hall was.
- Just how phenominal Adam Goodes was in years pas.t
- Anthony Hudson's call "I see it but I don't believe it" was used in this game before the 05 Final.
- THAT hit on Brett Kirk by Byron Pickett deserves a mention, also the fact that Brett bounced straight back up.

[chuckie]

I have said many times that the 1970 game against Collingwood was my favourite game, people didn't just sit inside the boundary line in those last minutes when we hit the front people just ran onto to the ground celebrating even though the siren still hadn't rang.

[aardvark]

I have said many times that the 1970 game against Collingwood was my favourite game, people didn't just sit inside the boundary line in those last minutes when we hit the front people just ran onto to the ground celebrating even though the siren still hadn't rang.

I was also there. It was the last game I saw with my father before he died so is very special to me for a number of reasons. Being 13 at the time I remember standing on the old steel beercans to see the game and the horrified look on the pies supporters faces as we left the ground. Fond memories.

Also Xmas greetings and a Happy New Year to all on RWO. I'm on a sojourn in Sth America so havent been on much.

[Scottee]

I was also there. It was the last game I saw with my father before he died so is very special to me for a number of reasons. Being 13 at the time I remember standing on the old steel beercans to see the game and the horrified look on the pies supporters faces as we left the ground. Fond memories.

Also Xmas greetings and a Happy New Year to all on RWO. I'm on a sojourn in Sth America so havent been on much.

I must say that one of the things that stands out in my memories is the image of the smirks on the Collingwood player's faces when there was about 4 minutes to go and they were 21 points up. OK guys, it's ours! Doh!

Have you met any of your namesakes in Sth America?

[Meg]

I am loving these old South Melbourne stories which pre-date my time as a Swans' supporter. However they do bring back nostalgic memories of what it used to be like packed in a crowd standing on the mounds, often in the rain, cheering madly when all I could see was the back of the head of the person in front of me (in Adelaide)!

That 1970 Doug Wade 'apple' story is just wonderful. Imagine the apoplexy that would happen on all the footy shows, articles and social media if something like that happened now. I found this very funny description of the incident on the net.

"A South Melbourne supporter, frustrated that Wade had taken the mark, had thrown an apple at the Geelong full-forward as he was about to kick for goal. His accurate throw did enough to move the football from its intended path � the middle of Wade�s boot � to merely brush the instep of the Geelong champ�s foot."

"Wade complained to the umpire and said �Hey, give me another kick!�
The umpire apparently said, �There�s nothing in the rule book about apples�."

[Prt]

I remember the 70 win against Fitzroy - Bedford kicked the winning goal mid-air and put the Bloods into the finals. I loved the 95 win in the last round against the Pies; I will never forget Kickett's mark in front of the O'Reilly. The wins in 96 were so good and I was there to see us beat the Blues - O'Brien kicked 6, as Plugger was minding Silvagni all day and hardly moved from the goal square. The Kardinia Park match in 2011 was one for the ages - I was with a mate who is a major Cats supporter as his guest in one of the coterie rooms and had to behave. The win in Brisbane in 2003 was memorable. O'Loughlin kicked an outstanding goal in full flight and Paul Williams iced it late in the day.

Another match no one has mentioned was the last round match against North in 77 - which saw the Bloods into the finals for the second time in the 70s.

Of the finals, apart from the 2 GF wins I loved the 2003 Port win, the Nick Davis match and the PF win against the Saints in 2005. How we celebrated that night in the Wellington hotel on Flinders Street. Plugger's point in 96 wasn't half bad either.

So many good memories.

[BigBarryRound25]

One for me that hasn't come up was round 1 1980 v's Geelong. John Roberts first game for us - he kicked a goal after the siren to give us an unexpected and unlikely win.

If my memory is accurate he kicked 6 that day (but that might be inflated by my nostalgic optimism).

What a day it was for this 13 year old - a joyous train ride home, the possibilities that lie ahead. A star full forward and a win at Kardinia Park.

The following 12-18 months didn't go to script - but I can't complain about how things have turned out.

A few have mentioned the game where Cressa milked a free v's North to kick the winning goal. I seem to recall a few weeks later in a final v's Hawthorn he also took a contested goal-square mark and kicked truly to keep us alive.

Go Swans ... thanks for the memories (even if they're a bit foggy).

[aardvark]

No Aardvarks but met a swans supporter in Antarctica on a Chilean research base and a Sydney resident Swans/ Tigers rugby supporter in the Atacama desert. Just goes to show we are infiltrating everywhere.

[Doctor J.]

I remember the 70 win against Fitzroy - Bedford kicked the winning goal mid-air and put the Bloods into the finals. I loved the 95 win in the last round against the Pies; I will never forget Kickett's mark in front of the O'Reilly. The wins in 96 were so good and I was there to see us beat the Blues - O'Brien kicked 6, as Plugger was minding Silvagni all day and hardly moved from the goal square. The Kardinia Park match in 2011 was one for the ages - I was with a mate who is a major Cats supporter as his guest in one of the coterie rooms and had to behave. The win in Brisbane in 2003 was memorable. O'Loughlin kicked an outstanding goal in full flight and Paul Williams iced it late in the day.

Another match no one has mentioned was the last round match against North in 77 - which saw the Bloods into the finals for the second time in the 70s.

Of the finals, apart from the 2 GF wins I loved the 2003 Port win, the Nick Davis match and the PF win against the Saints in 2005. How we celebrated that night in the Wellington hotel on Flinders Street. Plugger's point in 96 wasn't half bad either.

So many good memories.

Remember it well, Finals for only the second ever time in my life. I could buy a finals footy record with my team on the front cover. Happy days.

The thing I remember more about the final game of 1977, was not so much the game but if someone had a radio in the last quarter they became your friend. Everyone wanted to know the result of the Bulldogs v Carlton game. Carlton had to lose for us to get into the finals, and the Doggies did us a favour.

Welcome to RWO Prt. Stick around and don't be afraid to contribute.

[chuckie]

Remember it well, Finals for only the second ever time in my life. I could buy a finals footy record with my team on the front cover. Happy days.

The thing I remember more about the final game of 1977, was not so much the game but if someone had a radio in the last quarter they became your friend. Everyone wanted to know the result of the Bulldogs v Carlton game. Carlton had to lose for us to get into the finals, and the Doggies did us a favour.

Welcome to RWO Prt. Stick around and don't be afraid to contribute.

I was there another great memory. Teaser took a couple of screamers and a young Chris Elliott wearing number 36 running around in one of his few games he played, I also remember checking on the Footscray Carlton game I remember on the Friday before the Semi Final my brother and i went to Merrett 7 Hassett Sports store and bought a couple of new jumpers to wear to the game, I still have that jumper some where. Another game I remember was against Fitzroy at the Lake oval Ricky Quade got a perfect 10 sunscore votes in The Sun newspaper the first player to do so i think Teasdale was the only other player to get the perfect score, also a game in 1977 against StKilda at home Teaser took a screamer and everyone was saying that will be mark of the year only for Trevor Barker to take a hangar over Ricky Quade in front of the members stand 10 minutes later. I love this club so many great memories including the many we have had from 1982 and onwards 1997 we beat the drug cheats by one point in the rain Mark Bayes last 10 minutes turns the game.

[111431]

I remember Teaser playing a blinder against Collingwood at Vic Park in 1977 and we beat the Pies - those days didn't happen much - happy days for a schoolboy

[YvonneH]

Just watched Rnd 8 2006 against Bulldogs.
Forgot what a solid player Luke Ablett was, not flashy but very good.
From what I have heard after his playing days he is a very nice, ethical man.

[dimelb]

Luke was a much underrated player, as was Ben Mathews, another who was far from flashy but a solid defender.

[Scottee]

I remember Teaser playing a blinder against Collingwood at Vic Park in 1977 and we beat the Pies - those days didn't happen much - happy days for a schoolboy

Was that the day he kicked 14?

[Velour&Ruffles]

..... also a game in 1977 against StKilda at home Teaser took a screamer and everyone was saying that will be mark of the year only for Trevor Barker to take a hangar over Ricky Quade in front of the members stand 10 minutes later....

I was there too, as a primary school kid with my father. I remember it the other way around, with Barker taking the first grab and Teaser following up a few minutes later. Either way, Teaser's grab (which I still maintain was better than Barker's far more replayed effort) was THE seminal moment in my life as a Swans supporter - Grand finals and all the rest included.

I started life as a third generation Bloods fan but went through a few years of trying to be a Saints supporter, because every kid at my bayside primary school went for St Kilda and I was the lone Swan. Peer group pressure took its toll.

My father was smart and patient enough not to apply any overt pressure on me to revert - instead, he took me to a few token Saints games each year, but mostly still to Swans matches (which meant about 16 a year in those pre-move days) and was content to let heredity do its work.

So we were always going to be at that game, given it was "my" team against my dad's. We were on the half forward line, not far from where both marks occurred. When Teaser took his grab, I remember erupting and cheering hysterically ...... And then I recalled I was in a Saints jumper .......

It was at that precise instant that I gave up my soulless pretence of barracking for St Kilda. Even as a primary school kid, I knew enough to know from that burst of unbridled joy that my heart was red and white, whatever I might try to tell my mates in the schoolyard, or my old man. So I went back to being the only Swans follower at my school, became a lifelong fan of the most important bearded miracle worker to ever walk this earth, and to this day enjoy going to the football with my father - although officially barracking for the same team.

A post script. Someone mentioned the Barry Mitchell game at Pie Park. That was 1986 and my father and I were there too. Given we were seven goals down a little before 3/4 time, I was beside myself when we won against all odds, and all sense of self preservation deserted me. Wearing a Swans scarf, I let my pleasure at the victory be known to all around me as I exited the ground. My poor father, a peaceful and restrained gentleman, had to physically intervene to protect me from being publicly lynched by a couple of violently embittered, snaggle-toothed Magpie lowlife. Another immortal memory ...And if anyone doubts me, read this account of the Pie fans' behaviour that day: Mayhem at Victoria Park - collingwoodfc.com.au (http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/2013-05-22/mayhem-at-victoria-park)

[Doctor J.]

I was there too, as a primary school kid with my father. I remember it the other way around, with Barker taking the first grab and Teaser following up a few minutes later. Either way, Teaser's grab (which I still maintain was better than Barker's far more replayed effort) was THE seminal moment in my life as a Swans supporter - Grand finals and all the rest included.

I started life as a third generation Bloods fan but went through a few years of trying to be a Saints supporter, because every kid at my bayside primary school went for St Kilda and I was the lone Swan. Peer group pressure took its toll.

My father was smart and patient enough not to apply any overt pressure on me to revert - instead, he took me to a few token Saints games each year, but mostly still to Swans matches (which meant about 16 a year in those pre-move days) and was content to let heredity do its work.

So we were always going to be at that game, given it was "my" team against my dad's. We were on the half forward line, not far from where both marks occurred. When Teaser took his grab, I remember erupting and cheering hysterically ...... And then I recalled I was in a Saints jumper .......

It was at that precise instant that I gave up my soulless pretence of barracking for St Kilda. Even as a primary school kid, I knew enough to know from that burst of unbridled joy that my heart was red and white, whatever I might try to tell my mates in the schoolyard, or my old man. So I went back to being the only Swans follower at my school, became a lifelong fan of the most important bearded miracle worker to ever walk this earth, and to this day enjoy going to the football with my father - although officially barracking for the same team.

A post script. Someone mentioned the Barry Mitchell game at Pie Park. That was 1986 and my father and I were there too. Given we were seven goals down a little before 3/4 time, I was beside myself when we won against all odds, and all sense of self preservation deserted me. Wearing a Swans scarf, I let my pleasure at the victory be known to all around me as I exited the ground. My poor father, a peaceful and restrained gentleman, had to physically intervene to protect me from being publicly lynched by a couple of violently embittered, snaggle-toothed Magpie lowlife. Another immortal memory ...And if anyone doubts me, read this account of the Pie fans' behaviour that day: Mayhem at Victoria Park - collingwoodfc.com.au (http://www.collingwoodfc.com.au/news/2013-05-22/mayhem-at-victoria-park)

Wow that's a good get V&R. My memory is Mitch slotted the winner on the siren, but obviously not.

The description of the crowd was in accordance with my memory. They were totally feral.

[111431]

Was that the day he kicked 14?

no - he played in the ruck and dominated

[KTigers]

I agree. The 1996 H & A season was awesome. After winning one game in 1993, four in 1994, eight in 1995 with the arrival of Plugger, Roos and Maxfield, we went 16-1-5 in 1996. My favourites were wiping out North by about 80 at Princes Park, beating Geelong in frount of 44,000 people at home by eight goals or so, and the sight of Plugger soccering the ball along the ground towards the boundary with our entire team within 50M of Richmond's goal in the dying seconds of the game against Richmond at Waverley Park as we held on to win by one point.


There were many magical games from 1996. I suspect part of it was that Swans fans weren't used to following a successful team, and hence every great victory seemed special. But yes, that Carlton game stands out, even amongst the many other memorable wins that year.

Another favourite of mine was the 1998 game against Port at the SCG. Kelly did his knee in the first half, and the team looked on the ropes. But they lifted, and Plugger, in particular had an outstanding second half. He kicked 12 goals for the game and, from memory, nine came in the second half. A couple were monster kicks that even Buddy would have been impressed with.

[Benevolent Ert]

Most have been covered, but here are my favourites over the years.

1987 vs Essendon - 36.22 still the 3rd highest score ever and smashed the Bombers by 163. Middle game in a 3 game hot streak.
1993 vs Melbourne - First win in 26 games. Huge celebration as the drought was broken. Ozzie kicked 10
1994 vs Adelaide - Modra got in trouble midweek, so the Crows suspended him because they figured they could beat the Swans without him. Whoops.
1995 vs Carlton - Blues undefeated and only dropped one other game that year. Smashed them by 12 goals.
1995 vs Fitzroy - Granted the Lions were marching towards the grave, but Lockett kicked 16 without a miss.
1996 vs Richmond - Richo's goal in the dying minutes disallowed due to illegal sheparding on Dunkley on the goal line.
1996 vs Carlton - Blues were still the dominant team at this stage, but knocking them off at Princes Park was a big statement.
1996 vs North Melbourne - The Roos would go on to win the premiership, but not before being belted at Princes Park in Roosy's 300th
1996 vs West Coast - With other results already played this was a battle for the minor premiership, won the slog in shocking conditions
1998 vs Geelong - Lockett went on a rampage in the first half before shutting up shop in the 2nd. A rare win at Geelong.
1999 vs North Melbourne - Roos got the jump in the first half and stopped dead in the 2nd. Ran them down to win by 2. Maxfield and Kelly huge.
2001 vs North Melbourne - "Boo a Roo", 10 goal last quarter, won by 80.
2001 vs North Melbourne - As if the first edition of "Boo a Roo" wasn't enough, held them to 3 goals all night, won by 100+ and put an end to the "Sydney experiment"
2002 vs Carlton - Blues goalless in second half, biggest ever win at Carlton. Nick Daffy's goal the highlight of his Sydney career.
2002 vs North Melbourne (again!) - Cresswell free kick on the siren.
2002 vs St Kilda (draw) - I'm kidding of course, this game is universally panned by everyone as the worst game in history
2002 vs Richmond - The "Choose Roos" game. Farewelled Kelly and Dunkley in style.
2005 vs Brisbane - Never in it all night, Barry Hall goal after the siren to win
2006 vs Richmond - Outclassed the Tigers all day. 100+ win without getting out of 3rd gear.
2011 vs Geelong - Broke the Cats winning streak
2012 vs Hawthorn - Ran away in the last quarter in Tassie, Goodes breaks Swans game record, win by 37.
2014 vs Geelong - Destroyed the Cats, they had only 2 goals at 3 quarter time.
2014 vs Port Adelaide - Buddy brilliance in the dying minutes

[snajik]

Well it seems that tomorrow will be just the day to determine just how well our respective memories serve us. Tomorrow is Swans day on fox footy and from midnight tonight until midnight tomorrow night the viewer is treated to 24 straight hours of memorable Swans victories. Many of the games mentioned above will be featured. Pretty much from '96 onwards though by the looks. Need to hook up with my truck driving mate to see if he has any of those keep me ups. 24 hours is pretty serious.

[Kumarangk]

Looking back at the 2005 GF I forgot how many relatively simple goals Magic missed ( and it was the same in the 2006 GF ) .

[mcs]

Looking back at the 2005 GF I forgot how many relatively simple goals Magic missed ( and it was the same in the 2006 GF ) .

Even the greatest of players have their faults, and for Magic Micky O', that was his tendency to get the goal kicking yips - how it would of been great to settle the nerves had he nailed one of those several misses in 2005 however!