The shamed club reshaped an image of themselves in two hours. Even long-term fans had spoken of finding it hard to support the club, or to reconcile what they felt for them, after the embarrassment of the Pullman saga.

Two years ago, as they prepared for a qualifying final, the Swans opened their doors to the media. Now the club has circled the wagons.

No one gave the Swans a chance. Winning a qualifying final against the two-time reigning premiers was a hard enough task, let alone doing it without the five first-choice players…

With five of their brightest stars out of the spotlight, Sydney stormed to an unexpected victory in front of their home town fans.

The shamed club reshaped an image of themselves in two hours. Even long-term fans had spoken of finding it hard to support the club, or to reconcile what they felt for them, after…