Woefully inaccurate goalkicking didn't stop Sydney reclaiming fifth spot on the AFL ladder on Sunday, the Swans overcoming the yips and a determined Richmond fightback for a 10-point victory at the SCG.

Sydney had kicked 4.14 with one minute remaining in the second term, before a late goal from Lewis Jetta gave them a 13-point lead at halftime.

In dark, blustery and wet conditions, the Tigers hit the front early in the final quarter through Dustin Martin, before the Swans booted three goals in four minutes to win 9.21 (75) to 9.11 (65).

Youngster Sam Reid (2.5) and co-captain Adam Goodes (0.4) were the home side's most inaccurate, but it was Reid's three contested marks which caught the attention of Sydney coach John Longmire.

"It's probably the cleanest I've seen him take the ball in the air, and we've obviously been looking for another key forward to come through the ranks," Longmire said.

"We've been thrilled with his progress this year."

Longmire wasn't overly concerned by his side's wasteful kicking in front of the sticks.

"We had 30 scoring shots from 49 inside fifties so, in that regard, we were really happy," he said.

Sydney forwardline coach John Blakey admitted his side had the "yips" but, like Longmire, played down the inaccuracy.

"I think teams have days like that. You see once a team starts kicking four, five, six points, it becomes contagious," Blakey told AAP.

"It's not something to panic about. We'll just go back and continue to practise at it and get better at it. That's what we have to do."

The Tigers kicked the only two goals of the third term and threatened to pinch the game, Jack Riewoldt pulling in a spectacular leaping mark over Ted Richards in the goal square.

The visitors hit the lead when Martin kicked a goal and a behind in the space of a minute.

Led by Kieren Jack, who played as a substitute in his return from an ankle injury and entered the fray late in the third quarter, the Swans snaffled three quick goals and registered three consecutive wins for the first time this season.

On a day when space and free-flowing football were at a premium, the silky skills of Martin (24 possessions) and Brett Deledio (27 possessions) stood out.

Sydney ruckman Mark Seaby had his best game for the season and was the leading contender for best on ground, with 21 disposals, 36 hitouts and eight clearances.

Richmond suffered a major blow after just four minutes when young utility David Astbury was taken from the ground on a stretcher with a knee injury.

Tigers' coach Damien Hardwick suggested Astbury dislocated his kneecap and would miss the rest of the season.

Hardwick said his side had to work on their consistency during games.

"We thought we played well in patches and then, at other stages of the game, the Swans dominated," Hardwick said.

"Certain players are getting there, but certain players definitely need to step up as well.

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