Undefeated Swans stunned after ‘robbery’

The GWS Giants ran onto the SCG donning a special edition charcoal jumper labelled “Never Surrender” — and that’s exactly what they did.

The Giants defied the odds to register a stunning comeback victory over the Swans in a thrilling Sydney derby.

After trailing by 21 points early in the fourth quarter, the Giants kicked four of the last five goals to take the lead in the dying moments of Saturday afternoon’s clash.

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Josh Kelly snapped a clutch goal in the left forward pocket with 70 seconds remaining to give GWS the lead for the first time since the opening term.

The All-Australian and club champion looked nothing like his old self for most of the night against Sydney, butchering the ball all over the SCG.

But Kelly found his left boot when his club needed it the most.

Following a dramatic final Sydney surge, the Giants held on to win the nailbiter by two points, outlasting the Swans 9.17 (71) to 10.9 (69), in front of 33,541 fans.

Former Sydney player Ryan Fitzgerald tweeted: “This comeback has been unbelievable. What a game!”

Josh Kelly wins the derby for the Giants! ⏳#AFLSwansGiants

pic.twitter.com/ogYNti6iax

Twilight robbery. The Giants get back in front when it counts and hang on for back-to-back wins. What a game in front of 33,541. #AFLSwansGiants#SydneyDerbyXXpic.twitter.com/hXo1R3tIoV

'Never Surrender' guernsey lived up to its name. Wow. #AFLSwansGiants

The class finishing of superstar forward Lance Franklin – who kicked five goals despite the efforts of exciting Giants defender Sam Taylor – looked like being the difference between the harbour city sides, as the inaccurate visitors couldn’t find their radar in front of goal.

However, the Giants refused to give in.

Franklin’s fifth after a strong contested mark inside 50 midway through the final quarter looked to have given his side enough momentum to hold on, before Toby Greene finally kicked one to drag GWS to within four points late, and Kelly became the matchwinner.

Josh P. Kennedy of the Swans and his team look dejected.Source:Getty Images

Giants fans were hoping for a third consecutive five-goal haul from Greene at the SCG, but the gun forward couldn’t turn it on.

The acting skipper didn’t have a problem getting the footy against the hard tag of George Hewett, he just couldn’t find the goals.

Greene had 0.4 at halftime and ended up finishing the night with 1.7.

AFL reporter Rohan Connolly tweeted: “Absolutely pathetic kicking for goal. Ridiculous.”

Sydney will next face the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium, while the Giants will host the undefeated Western Bulldogs in Canberra.

— with NCA NewsWire

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