Sydney defender Ted Richards will be proud to notch his 250th AFL match this Sunday against St Kilda, but he’s more excited about what lies ahead this season.

The 33-year-old admitted on Friday he’s surprised to arrive at the milestone, given his sluggish career start with Essendon where he made just 33 appearances in five years before moving to the harbour city to Sydney and flourishing.

“For so long I just didn’t think I’d get to 100, then before I know it, 150, 200 games,” he said.

“So to play 200 Swans games and 250 AFL games, I’m not content but I’m very, very proud of that achievement.”

The fourth-placed Swans head to Melbourne this weekend on the back of a rousing 89-point derby thrashing of GWS, with two very winnable fixtures against St Kilda and Gold Coast remaining before the finals where they can attempt to make amends for last year’s grand final smashing by Hawthorn.

“I’m very excited about what might potentially lie ahead this year,” Richards said.

Adding to the good news, the Swans are set to welcome back star forward Lance Franklin from his back injury, along with Gary Rohan and Tom Mitchell.

Richards acknowledged the club was flying under the radar as a premiership contender, but believed inconsistency had been cast aside as the team builds finals momentum.

“I think our season has been far from consistent,” he said.

“However, in saying that, our last three or four games have been some of the best football we’ve played this year.

“If we play well and keep winning, top four is ours – we’re not reliant on other teams to win or lose.

“We’re in a position where we can control our own destiny.”