The 39 000 fans at the "G" witnessed not only a great comeback by the Tigers, but also a resurgence of a club that has been at the bottom end of the AFL ladder for years. In 2009, Richmond recorded only five wins and 16 losses. The 2010 season started along similar lines with Richmond buried at the bottom of the ladder. But, unlike the 2009 season, the club has not lost focus, and through a consistent plan have won four games in the last five starts.
The Tigers' win over the Swans has lifted them off the bottom of the ladder for the first time this season. The Swans, however, find themselves in the top eight only by percentage.
Swans' season is in the balance after successive losses to Collingwood and the Tigers. It will come down to their must-win clash this Sunday against North Melbourne.
Swan's player Jarrad McVeigh said, "It was very, very disappointing. It was probably one of the worst losses I've ever been involved in. The way we crumbled was very embarrassing." The Swans disappointment was contrasted by Tiger's coach Damien Hardwick who explained it was the best win of the season. ''It was a terrific effort. It's not often you come from five goals down against a quality outfit such as Sydney," he said.
The defeat of the 2005 AFL Premiers, Sydney, by the 2007 Wooden Spooners, Richmond, is a reminder of the tough nature of the AFL. A champion team such as Sydney can be heroes one year and zeros the next.
A Well-Being Australia theologian points out that God's Kingdom also has a ranking or ladder. Jesus explains that the things that our world might place as important (e.g. money) are least important in His Kingdom. Those that evaluate their lives by these human values might rule now, but the ranking will be reversed as Jesus completes His Kingdom. "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 19:30). What does Jesus' Kingdom value? Why not read Jesus' words at the following link?
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%206:19-24&version=NIV