CHILTERN caused the upset of the season on Saturday, defeating an inaccurate Tallangatta by 34 points.
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While the Hoppers were wasteful in front of goal, kicking 5.12 to 10.16, Chiltern made the most of their opportunities to claim their fifth win of the season.
The Swans’ midfield were damaging on the scoreboard, with playing coach Mark Doolan, Jayden Vandermeer and Banjo Rogers kicking two goals each.
Luke Fraser and Luke Bloom were the only Hoppers to find their way to the goals, but with Fraser kicking just one goal for the afternoon, the Hoppers were limited offensively.
The Swans capitalised on their inaccuracy, improving to a five-four record to remain within striking distance of the top five.
Doolan was pleased to hand Tallangatta their first loss of the season, but said that the challenge for the Swans would be to maintain their good form.
“I’d hope the players take a lot of confidence out of this win, but we still need some more runs on the board,” Doolan said.
“We’ve been a bit on-again, off-again in the last few games, so we need to improve our consistency.
“We came to play, our pressure and tackling was good.
“There was an even spread of contributors across the ground.”
Caleb Boxall played his best game since returning from a groin injury a few weeks ago, while the addition of Ashley Van Klaveren bolstered defence.
While accurate kicking was difficult after rain last week resulted in a heavy ground, Doolan was pleased the Swans were able to force the Hoppers wide on many occasions when they pushed forward.
“We set up really well from a defensive standpoint, and the pressure that came from our midfield allowed us to force them into some low percentage kicks and shots on goal,” he said.
“We got that for four quarters on Saturday, and I want to see it every week from now on.”
Maintaining momentum will be made easier by the return of Brad Hibberson from suspension and Dane O’Neill from injury for a blockbuster against Thurgoona.