1. Richmond. Just Richmond
It was revealed earlier this week that Richmond has 72,278 members on it's books, the third most in the AFL behind Hawthorn and Collingwood, and few would have any issues with all of them getting out the scissors or the blow torch. The minor premier, which wasn't unexpected, outplayed the Tigers, but it was the lack of effort and spirit that embarrassed the yellow and black. Richmond gave up five goals to nothing in the opening quarter before Shaun Hampson got them on the board just after the first break; a major that was then followed by 16 straight for the home team either side of half-time. It was a nightmare end to a horrible season for the Tigers and makes for an excruciating summer for Damien Hardwick's men.
2. Aliir Aliir takes the points in the Sudan Cup
Just a week after the Swans' defender shared the field with North Melbourne ruckman and fellow Sudanese-Australian Majak Daw, he enjoyed another win over countryman Mabior Chol. The Tiger rookie found his way onto the senior list to make his debut against the Swans after being drafted out of the Brisbane Lions Academy, and like Aliir, Chol and his family moved to Brisbane from Sudan, via Egypt, when he was eight years old. It was a fantastic sight to see the two players opposed to each other at times throughout the night, but it wasn't a game to remember for the Tiger. Aliir was a star in defence with 16 possessions and eight marks, while Chol has just the two touches in his side's demoralising loss.
It wasn't a great debut but Mabior Chol will be given plenty of chances at Tigerland. Picture: AFL Photos
3. Franklin versus Rance was a fizzer
It was a match-up between two likely 2016 All Australians but it was a contest dominated by the three-time Coleman medallist. In fairness to Rance, he shared the duties on Franklin with Dylan Grimes, who took the Swan when he played further up the ground, but when Rance did stand him, he was soundly beaten on most occasions. Rance was torched by his uncompetitive midfield, and when your team gets mauled by 113 points it makes life difficult, but it was still a terrible night for the West Australian. Franklin finished with 7.4 and 11 marks, with nine of those inside 50, taking his tally to 74 for the regular season, and just six behind this year's Coleman winner, West Coast star Josh Kennedy.
Buddy's always up for a roost! #AFLSwansTigers https://t.co/qdMMXeJvZW
— AFL (@AFL) August 27, 2016
4. Fringe Swans now face nervous wait
With gun youngster Callum Mills (calf) likely to be fit for the Swans' first final in a fortnight, coach John Longmire has at least one change to make, meaning someone will be unlucky at the selection table. Harrison Marsh came in against the Tigers and looked comfortable in defence, while the likes of George Hewett, Tom Papley, Harry Cunningham and Xavier Richards all played roles against Richmond. Veteran Ben McGlynn kicked five goals in the Swans' decimation on Saturday night, so the heat likely falls most on Papley, who plays as a specialist small forward and doesn't have the versatility of those other names. Two weeks is a long time in footy, and it will be even longer for those Swans sweating on their place in the 22.
Glorious George! What a finish from the young Swan. #AFLSwansTigers https://t.co/Z18Af0UAcp
— AFL (@AFL) August 27, 2016
5. Longmire on track for season record
The Swans' win over Richmond was the team's 17th for the season and clinched the minor premiership for the Bloods, the second with Longmire at the helm after they also won it in 2014. Apart from his first year in charge back in 2011 when the team won 13 games for the year, the Swans have won 16+ matches every season, and if they make it to this year's grand final, the coach is a chance to equal his record of 19 wins in each of 2012 and 2014. Longmire will be hoping he can crack his mark on the biggest stage, and if they win their way through to the decider without dropping a game, win number 20 could hand Longmire his second premiership.