The Western Bulldogs have ended their premiership drought in stunning fashion, coming from behind to beat Sydney by 22 points in the AFL grand final.

Luke Beveridge’s Bulldogs – seeking their first premiership since 1954 – trailed by two points at half-time but finished full of run to record a 13.11 (89) to 10.7 (67) triumph over the Swans.

A see-sawing final quarter had the 99,981 fans at the MCG and the millions watching across the country gripped, but, despite the Swans closing to within one point on two separate occasions, majors to Liam Picken (two) and Tom Boyd settled the thrilling contest.

This was the moment! Tom Boyd stood tall and delivered for his team. #AFLGF #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/beacns3khp

— AFL (@AFL) October 1, 2016

Picken and Boyd both played starring roles throughout the afternoon, kicking three goals each, while Jason Johannisen won the Norm Smith Medal for best afield after amassing 33 disposals across the half-back line.

“This group of players are just incredible. Their hearts are so big,” Beveridge said afterwards.

Beveridge ended his post-match speech by asking injured Bulldogs captain Bob Murphy – who had his season cruelly ended by a serious knee injury in Round 3 – onto the stage.

What a moment for @BobMurphy02. #AFLGF https://t.co/xSMujdXJF4

— AFL (@AFL) October 1, 2016

The coach gave Murphy, the club’s popular and spiritual leader, the Jock McHale Medal – awarded to the winning coach – and said: “This is yours, mate. You deserve it more than anyone.”

The skipper and his deputy, Easton Wood, then lifted the premiership cup in a soon-to-be iconic image.

Bob Murphy and Easton Wood lift the premiership cup. Photo: Getty

“It’s unbelievable to be a part of,” young Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli told the Seven Network.

“It is an incredible club. And I’m stoked to have been a part of it.”

More than nine minutes passed before the game’s first score in a cagey start, but even though the Swans got the first major through Luke Parker, the MCG was soon roaring as goals to Zaine Cordy and Tory Dickson gave the Bulldogs the lead.

The Bulldogs hit their straps early in the second term and when Picken kicked his first goal of the afternoon, they led by three goals.

Sydney’s response was swift and emphatic, though, as they kicked four straight goals and Josh Kennedy (34 disposals and three goals) started to dominate.

Kennedy was outstanding for Sydney. Photo: Getty

With 11 seconds of the first half to go, Toby McLean broke Sydney’s momentum with a crucial snap, cutting their lead to two points at the main break.

And Sydney’s advantage was quickly lost in the third term, only for a profligate Bulldogs to keep their opponents in with a 2.6 quarter.

The Bulldogs should have led by more than eight points at the final change and an early goal to Sydney star forward Lance Franklin – who was hampered by ankle injury – had their army of fans nervous.

Both sides then traded majors before Picken, with just one point separating the teams, goaled on the run.

Boyd’s golden day continued when he pounced on a loose ball and kicked truly from 60m before Picken put gloss on the scoreline to cap a victory most Bulldogs fans thought they would never see.