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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7. Brisbane Bears vs Hawthorn

Round 16, 1995: Brisbane Bears 51-points down

Hawthorn simply dominated this game against the old Brisbane Bears, with a 51-point buffer 25-minutes into the third term.

The Bears trailed at every change, with a 45-point deficit at the final break. It was at this moment where Hawks coach Peter Knights infamously moved his team into the shade for a short reprieve from the Queensland sun.

Knights, being a former Brisbane coach, knew the conditions well.

The move backfired, as the Bears went on to kick nine goals to one in the last quarter, running out winners by seven points. This comeback win provided the Bears with a late-season surge, which resulted in them making the AFL Finals for the first time.