In every Australian Football League (AFL) season, there are always stories of remarkable comebacks where teams defy the odds and turn seemingly insurmountable deficits into triumphant victories. Fans experience both the exhilaration of their team snatching victory from the jaws of defeat and the heartbreak of seeing a substantial lead evaporate.
Some comebacks stand out more than others. The biggest comeback in AFL history occurred during the 2001 season. Reigning premiers Essendon made an extraordinary recovery from a 69-point deficit in the second quarter to win by 12 points against North Melbourne. The Kangaroos had surged ahead with a stunning 12 goals to Essendon’s two in the first quarter, leading 73-15. However, Essendon turned the game around in the second quarter, scoring 10 goals and narrowing the gap to 19 points by halftime. The game remained closely contested in the third quarter, but Essendon dominated the fourth quarter, scoring seven goals and achieving a final score of 27.9 (171) against North Melbourne’s 25.9 (159).
Essendon’s victory was powered by Matthew Lloyd, who scored nine goals, and Jason Johnson, who delivered a phenomenal performance with four goals and 31 disposals, earning three Brownlow votes despite recently losing a friend in a car accident. This match remains one of the highest-scoring games in AFL history and a testament to the spirit of the game.
The Kangaroos found themselves on the receiving end of another dramatic comeback in 2024. This time, it was Collingwood who overturned a 54-point deficit in Round 14. North Melbourne, struggling with only one win for the season, saw their substantial lead evaporate as Collingwood, led by Bobby Hill’s five goals, clinched a narrow one-point victory.
Collingwood has a history of memorable comebacks. In 1970, they overturned a 60-point deficit to defeat St Kilda. Similarly, Hawthorn made a historic comeback in 1999, erasing a 62-point deficit against St Kilda at Waverley Park. These games are etched in AFL lore for their dramatic turnarounds and thrilling finishes.
Other significant comebacks include West Coast’s 2006 victory over Geelong, where they recovered from a 54-point deficit to win by three points, a feat that paved the way for their premiership win that year. Geelong was also involved in another notable comeback in 2013 when they lost to Brisbane despite holding a 52-point lead.
These historic games highlight the unpredictable nature of AFL and the relentless spirit of the teams involved. They serve as reminders that no lead is safe and that the game can change in an instant, providing fans with unforgettable moments of drama and excitement.
