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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2. Hawthorn vs St Kilda

Round 12, 1999: Hawthorn 63-points down

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The second biggest comeback in AFL/VFL history, Hawthorn achieved a whopping 63-point comeback against St Kilda.

Just four minutes into the second quarter the Hawks found themselves 63-points down. The rampaging Saints had kicked nine goals to one in the first term, and 11 of the first 12 majors.

The Hawks still trailed by 44-points at half time but a 10-goal to three third quarter brought them to within a goal at the last break.

In the final quarter, Hawthorn kicked three goals to zero to win by 13-points. It was a 76-point turnaround, off the back of Nick Holland's five majors up forward, and would signal the unravelling of a promising St Kilda season that culminated in the sacking of coach, Tim Watson.