The Top-10 biggest comebacks of the AFL era

The ‘Miracle on Grass’ sits comfortably amongst the greatest AFL comebacks. What other come-from-behind wins make the Top-10?

Michael Georgiou

STAFF WRITER | July 2, 2021 - 10:16am

Comeback wins in AFL make for some of the best footy stories each season, creating feelgood - or feel bad - moments, depending on which side you are on.

Let's take a look at 10 of the biggest comebacks in the AFL era, which means any game played prior to 1990 is not included in this list.

Honourable Mentions

Some notable comebacks that just missed our Top 10 include:

2013 Elimination Final: Carlton defeats Richmond by 20-points after trailing by 32.

The Tigers looked close to their first finals win in 12 years, but a Blues six-goal last quarter wouldn't allow it.

Round 5, 2011: Gold Coast defeats Port Adelaide, after trailing by 40-points in the third quarter, to record their first AFL win.

1993 Preliminary Final: Essendon defeats Adelaide, after the Crows raced to a 42-point lead at half time. The Dons would kick 11 goals to two in the second half to win by 11-points.

Round 7, 2000: Showdown between Adelaide and Port Adelaide. The Crows came back from a 42-point deficit.

2018 Grand Final: West Coast won by five points in what many consider the best AFL Grand Final in recent memory, perhaps even the best overall game. Collingwood kicked the first five goals to lead by 29-points, but the Eagles fought back to win a close one.

So, now we get to our Top-10 comebacks of the AFL era.

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1. Essendon vs North Melbourne

Round 16, 2001: Essendon 69-points down

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The biggest come-from-behind win in league football history

Going into the game, the Bombers were top of the AFL Ladder with only two losses, while the Roos' were sitting precariously in ninth position.

Both teams were two of, if not, the best teams of the era, combining to win three of the previous five premierships. Essendon were also on their way to claim a third consecutive minor premiership.

The Dons had also won their last two encounters with the Roos' by 125- and 85-points.

In the first quarter, the Kangaroos kicked 12 goals to two, giving themselves a 58-point buffer at quarter time. This would extend to 69-points early in second period, and it looked like the Kangaroos were on their way to a massive upset victory.

Essendon had other plans, though, kicking nine unanswered goals in the second term before the Roos managed to steal one back after the half time siren.

It was still 21-points in North Melbourne's favour.

The third quarter was a shootout, and in the last quarter, the Bombers kicked eight goals to three to get the win. It was the likes of Bombers' superstars, Matthew Lloyd (nine goals) and Jason Johnson (31 disposals and four goals) who steadied the ship to bring the Dons home.