Confusion reigned for a moment as veteran defender Ted Richards started forward prior to the first bounce at Simonds Stadium on Friday night.

No, there weren’t any lingering effects from his concussion of seven rounds ago.

No, his helmet wasn’t pulled on too tight.

And no, the 33-year-old didn’t misread the whiteboard.

In an effort to quell Geelong defender Lachie Henderson’s influence, the returning Richards was given a defensive type role on the former Blue inside forward 50, territory in which the 260-gamer hasn’t spent a great deal of time in since his early days at Essendon.

The element of surprise worked as the old stager, who’d been out of the senior side for seven weeks while rebounding from concussion sustained in Round 9, kept his direct opponent quiet for a majority of the match while freeing up valuable time and space for teammates around goal.

He even impacted the scoreboard himself with a goal late in the game, his second major of the season following on from his long-bomb against West Coast in Round 3.

Speaking to SwansTV post-match, Richards said his foray forward was an enjoyable one but conceded the move may only be short-lived.

“I found out on Tuesday that I was playing forward and it was just exciting as I haven't played forward in years," Richards said.

"It was good to be back in the team. I tried to play my role, worked as hard as I could and it was exciting to play up forward."

Richards revelled in the post-match celebrations which centred around co-captain Kieren Jack.

On a night which all but ended a trying week for the skipper, Jack starred in his 200^th game with 24 disposals, 10 tackles and three goals including the first and last of the 38-point win.

Richards couldn’t wipe the smile of his face when asked about his premiership teammate.

"Kizza has done it hard. We started at first year at the Swans together and when he arrived I thought this kid won't make it."

“Full credit to him, he did it the hard way."

"It was special to win down here but Kieren's milestone and the circumstance make it all that more special."

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