Richmond came into the game knowing a victory would sew up a finals berth, something that seemed beyond impossible when it had a 3-10 record back in June. But the Tigers gradually strung together an eight-game winning streak to sit in eighth place heading into the final round. They leapt to a 33-point lead midway through the first term before the Swans started grinding their way back into it. Adam Goodes' goal deep into the third term had the home side in front for the first time. But the Tigers would not be denied, scrapping their way to a three-point victory to lock up back-to-back finals appearances.
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2. Buddy rests his troublesome knees
There had been speculation throughout the week about whether the Swans, who were assured of a top-two spot, would rest any players in Saturday's final round. The answer was yes – Lance Franklin. The superstar has been managed all season through some ongoing knee issues and it made perfect sense to rest him against the Tigers. The Swans' structures seemed to fall away without their leading goalkicker, particularly in the first half, but they were able to eventually work into the game. Kurt Tippett, Sam Reid and Goodes had big workloads in his absence, but Franklin will surely benefit from the rest when the finals get underway next week.
2. Buddy rests his troublesome knees
There had been speculation throughout the week about whether the Swans, who were assured of a top-two spot, would rest any players in Saturday's final round. The answer was yes – Lance Franklin. The superstar has been managed all season through some ongoing knee issues and it made perfect sense to rest him against the Tigers. The Swans' structures seemed to fall away without their leading goalkicker, particularly in the first half, but they were able to eventually work into the game. Kurt Tippett, Sam Reid and Goodes had big workloads in his absence, but Franklin will surely benefit from the rest when the finals get underway next week.
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3. Milestones achieved on both sides
Popular Tiger Chris Newman played his 250th match on Saturday, just the 13th player in Richmond's long history to reach that mark. It was also a milestone day for Swans' speedster Lewis Jetta, who brought up game No.100. Both players were the subject of the respective banners. In the end, it was Newman capping off a significant day by singing the team song.
Watch the nail biting last two minutes of the game here
4. Do the Swans have a rucking issue?
Mike Pyke was ruled out of Saturday's game due to illness, leading to Sam Naismith's debut for the Swans. At 205cm and 104kg, Naismith was able to get his hands on the ball in his ruck battle with Ivan Maric, finishing with 16 hit-outs, to go with six touches and three tackles. But he was subbed out during the third term, leaving Reid and Tippett to handle the ruck duties the rest of the way. Pyke, who has proven his finals mettle, should be back next week and the Swans will be hoping he has a trouble-free September.
5. A favourite Swan bids farewell – but will he play on?
At half-time of Saturday's match, two-time premiership winner Ryan O'Keefe did a lap of honour, along with his two young children. It was a fitting farewell for the man who holds fourth place on the club's games played list with 286 and has a Norm Smith medal, a best and fairest award and an All Australian jumper from his stellar career. But his final year in Sydney was a difficult one, believing he had plenty to offer, but left out of the senior side from round four onwards. At 33, O'Keefe knows it may not be up to him as he needs to find a willing suitor, but he hasn't shut the door on playing on elsewhere in 2015.
Twitter: @AFL_JD
3. Milestones achieved on both sides
Popular Tiger Chris Newman played his 250th match on Saturday, just the 13th player in Richmond's long history to reach that mark. It was also a milestone day for Swans' speedster Lewis Jetta, who brought up game No.100. Both players were the subject of the respective banners. In the end, it was Newman capping off a significant day by singing the team song.
Watch the nail biting last two minutes of the game here
4. Do the Swans have a rucking issue?
Mike Pyke was ruled out of Saturday's game due to illness, leading to Sam Naismith's debut for the Swans. At 205cm and 104kg, Naismith was able to get his hands on the ball in his ruck battle with Ivan Maric, finishing with 16 hit-outs, to go with six touches and three tackles. But he was subbed out during the third term, leaving Reid and Tippett to handle the ruck duties the rest of the way. Pyke, who has proven his finals mettle, should be back next week and the Swans will be hoping he has a trouble-free September.
5. A favourite Swan bids farewell – but will he play on?
At half-time of Saturday's match, two-time premiership winner Ryan O'Keefe did a lap of honour, along with his two young children. It was a fitting farewell for the man who holds fourth place on the club's games played list with 286 and has a Norm Smith medal, a best and fairest award and an All Australian jumper from his stellar career. But his final year in Sydney was a difficult one, believing he had plenty to offer, but left out of the senior side from round four onwards. At 33, O'Keefe knows it may not be up to him as he needs to find a willing suitor, but he hasn't shut the door on playing on elsewhere in 2015.
Twitter: @AFL_JD
Ryan O'Keefe said goodbye to Sydney but hopes to find a new home. Picture: AFL Media
