CHILTERN co-coach Kirk Wilson insists the Swans aren’t just making up the numbers after securing a spot in the elimination final with an 80-point win over Beechworth at Beechworth on Saturday.
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In a sensational second half of the season, the Swans won eight of their last nine matches to edge out Dederang-Mount Beauty for fifth spot.
Wilson said he was eager to build on the momentum in Sunday’s clash against reigning premier Barnawartha.
“You don’t work as hard as we have over the past few months to just tip your hat on a finals berth,” Wilson said.
“We have already started looking at Barny.
“Every game we have had with them has been close and I would expect nothing else.
“The competition is tight and who knows what can happen.”
As expected, Beechworth threw everything at Chiltern early before the Swans broke the shackles and careered to a comfortable win.
Young gun Ethan Boxall was electrifying after half-time on his way to nine goals, while Wayne Shannon and Chris Anderson were also dominant.
But Chiltern was dealt a blow with defender Michael McWilliams fracturing his arm, while Rod Shannon rolled his ankle.
“Beechworth made us earn the spot,” Wilson said.
“It was pretty fierce early.
“Brenton Surrey always leads from the front and he tried his guts out.
“The scoreline wasn’t a real reflection of the match.”
Dederang-Mount Beauty was never in the mix to claim Chiltern’s finals’ berth after making a slow start against Tallangatta at Tallangatta.
The Bombers trailed by 21 points at half-time before storming home to win by 55 points.
Bomber Dale Lappin continued his good form, while Charlie Connors and Louie Iaria also played major roles in the come-from-behind victory.
Tallangatta was best served by Jacob Wood and Duncan McMaster.
Barnawartha forward Peter Cook kicked four goals in his first senior match of the season as the Tigers crushed Rutherglen by 63 points.
