An incredible last quarter by a youthful Sydney side has seen them defeat Geelong by 17 points at GMHBA Stadium.
A seven-to-one goal final term - led by an impressive display from Josh Kennedy (33 disposals, 17 contested possessions) and two goals each from Will Hayward and Robbie Fox in the last quarter - saw the Swans overcome their rivals in fantastic fashion.
The Cats were in full control for most of the game and were led by Joel Selwood (23 disposals) and Mitch Duncan (24 disposals), who helped Geelong dominate the first three quarters.
The game started off with a bang as Gary Rohan and Patrick Dangerfield exchanged goals at either end to get proceedings underway, before the young brigade of Oliver Florent and first-gamer, Ben Ronke, put the Swans in the lead.
Luke Parker was able to respond to a late James Parsons goal to extend the Swans lead to 15 points at the first change.
Although Sydney had assumed total control, they were wasteful in front of the big sticks with a 4.6 term.
But the second quarter was all Geelong, as Sam Menegola, Tom Hawkins and Rhys Stanley all booted majors to put the Cats in the lead.
Parker and Hawkins both had chances for their respective sides but missed simple shots, before Tim Kelly brilliantly roved the ball to put the Cats 12 points in front at the major change, leaving the Swans goalless.
Geelong continued to flex their muscles as their defence held up brilliantly, with their loose man in defence repelling any Sydney advances while Parsons and Hawkins once again kicked important majors.
The goals were either side of a contentious Will Hayward major, which was rewarded after a score review after he just toe-poked it home.
It was the Swans' first major since late in the first quarter, with the margin sat at 22 points heading into the final change.
The Swans came out in the final term with an incredible burst, as Robbie Fox converted after taking an incredible hanger, while Zak Jones brought the margin back to two kicks.
A quick goal from Cory Gregson settled the lead to 15 points, but three goals out of nowhere to youthful trio Hayward, Fox and Ronke put the Swans in the lead with 11 minutes to play.
A 50m penalty given away from Zach Tuohy led to an Oliver Florent major, before Hayward sealed the game with his third as the Swans saw out the win and climbed back into the eight.
Geelong host Greater Western Sydney at Kardinia Park on Friday night, while Sydney tackle North Melbourne at the SCG next Saturday night.
GEELONG 2.3 6.7 9.8 10.9 (69) SYDNEY 4.6 4.7 5.10 12.13 (85)
GOALS
Geelong: Parsons 2, Hawkins 2, Gregson, Stanley, Kelly, Menegola, Dangerfield, Selwood Sydney: Hayward 3, Fox 2, Florent 2, Ronke 2, Parker, Jones, Rohan
BEST
Geelong: Kelly, Duncan, Selwood, Menegola, Hawkins Sydney: Kennedy, Sinclair, Lloyd, Heeney, McVeigh, Mills
INJURIES
Geelong: Parfitt (foot) replaced in the selected side by Zach Guthrie, Horlin-Smith (concussion) Sydney: Henderson (soreness) replaced in selected side by Kerridge
Reports: Jordan Murdoch (Geelong) reported for rough conduct on Isaac Heeney (Sydney)
Talking Points
1. The kids can play
With the game on the line, the future of Sydney was on full display with an inspiring final quarter blitz led by their youthful corps of talent.
Robbie Fox, Will Hayward and Ben Ronke were front and centre of the Swans' comeback, as they kicked important late goals to help their side to a memorable win on the road.
Fox, who showed tremendous courage and confidence in taking an incredible hanger, was impressive in the final term.
Hayward, kicked three for the game but his two last quarter goals were massive in getting the Swans over the line, while Ronke in his first game showed tremendous talent and is at the forefront for a Rising Star nomination this week.
Good signs for John Longmire, even in the absence of many key individuals, including the big forward in Lance Franklin.
2. geelong lacking cutting edge
The Cats look a shadow of what they truly can be with another insipid display early in the season.
Now sitting 3-3 and blowing a three-goal lead late, a side which is missing many key talents look to be in a position of peril as they failed to again show consistent signs of top-shelf football.
A solid three quarter effort from the Cats did not allow for them to put away the Swans, as they missed numerous opportunities from key players and were not getting the same impact from players such as Zach Tuohy and Patrick Dangerfield, who failed to inspire any confidence.
A lot to ponder for the Cats who failed to capitalize on their home-field advantage and fell to a loss which could come back and haunt them in the latter stages of the season.
3. jpk continues to inspire
A true captain's performance from Josh Kennedy as he took the game by the scruff of the neck and led his team to victory.
An unbelievable final term from Kennedy helped Sydney's midfield start to gain some ascendancy, as he single-handily lifted the Swans' midfield as the game began to slip through their fingers.
His incredible efforts saw him break tackles, get first hands to the footy and set up constant attacks for the Swans' forward line, as he was the key instigator in willing the Swans back into proceedings and eventually get the four points.
A three-vote game from JPK.
4. MATCH DAY REPORTS?
It's fair to say many were perplexed when Jordan Murdoch was placed on report after bumping Isaac Heeney, especially considering the force which met the Swan was accidental and well within the rules of the game.
Geelong coach Chris Scott was one who was puzzled at the decision, saying post-match umpires should only have to worry about officiating the laws of the game, rather than being concerned about keeping an eye on report-worthy offences.
It's a decision which may alleviate pressure from umpires, and one which will debated upon significantly, especially if Murdoch is let off with no reprimand.
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