Swans' 1996 prelim win over Bombers remembered 30 years on

A Sydney Swans preliminary final 30 years ago today against Essendon will be remembered for its intense atmosphere and a game that went down to the wire. The Swans, led by coach Rodney Eade, were seeking a spot in the grand final after a remarkable turnaround in their season.

"It was more excitement rather than pressure," says Troy Luff, a Swans utility player at the time. "If we lose, we lose. We got this far, but everyone just went out there and enjoyed themselves, and the results came our way."

The Swans had endured a dismal period in the early 1990s, including 26 consecutive losses in 1992-93. However, with the arrival of key players like Paul Roos and Tony "Plugger" Lockett in 1995, the team's fortunes began to change.

In 1996, Lockett was in top form, booting 114 goals in the home-and-away season and winning his third Coleman Medal. The Swans' surge continued, with a finals win over Hawthorn setting up a preliminary final against Essendon at a packed SCG.

The game was marked by intense physicality and scrubby kicks, with Essendon dominating early. Matthew Lloyd, Essendon's 18-year-old forward, was playing in his 16th game and struggling with the atmosphere. "I just felt like the SCG, where I hadn't played before, the crowd was on top of you, it was loud, and it was physical," Lloyd says.

Lloyd's game was cut short when he clashed with Mark Bayes and suffered a blow to his side, leaving him winded and struggling to concentrate. "It's all a bit of a blur for me because I remember I couldn't concentrate; I couldn't really take in the half-time address," he says.

Despite Lloyd's issues, Essendon maintained a narrow lead at quarter time. However, the Swans fought back in the second quarter, with goals from Paul Kelly and Daryn Cresswell narrowing the gap.

Dale Lewis, a Swans player, recalls the excitement of the game and the team's growing confidence. "None of us saw it coming, but by Christ it was addictive once you started to win, especially at home," he says. "We ended up winning 22 or three in a row at the SCG as the run got going. You started to get a feeling about it."

The Swans' momentum was building, but Essendon refused to give up. The Bombers' movement and clearance work were causing problems for the Swans, but Lewis's long-kicking and strong marking style made him a key player.

In the end, the Swans' determination paid off, setting up a grand final berth. The game was a defining moment in the Swans' season, showcasing their growth and resilience.