Although the Blues are sitting in the top five, they needed to take a big scalp after having an easy draw in recent weeks.

Simon Hillier’s side put their undermanned opposition under fierce pressure early and were rewarded with a 31-point lead at half-time.

Recruit Craig Lieschke was best afield with five goals in a lowscoring contest while Richard Turnbull, Jeff Cox, Danny Stewart and James Scannell also played well.

Cox toiled manfully in the ruck and Scannell spent some time running with Swan coach Mark Doolan.

Chiltern fell down badly in attack with five single goalkickers with much of Dane O’Neill, Doolan and Ash Van Klaveren’s good work going unrewarded.

Hillier said Mitta wanted to make a statement early in the match.

“We set ourselves for Chiltern,” Hillier said.

“The boys came out hard in the first five or 10 minutes and set the tone for the day.

“Early wins are important as you can set your season up.”

Hillier was also pleased with the performances of youngsters Liam Tobin, Joe Hodgkin and Jordan Peters.

“The local boys have been putting in the work,” he said.

“It was an important game and they did well.

“Chiltern’s a good side and they will be dangerous when they get a full list.”

Chiltern will be hoping that is soon as the Swans are winless after four TDFL rounds and in serious danger of losing touch with the top five.

Mitta United rover Nathan Reynoldson injured his calf and is in doubt for Saturday’s match against Thurgoona.

Tallangatta defeated the Bulldogs by 58 points at Tallangatta.

Like Chiltern, the visitors were severely undermanned and Kaine Parsons, Ben Heinrich, Tyson Smith and Tim Brook took full advantage.

Parsons and James Breen slotted nine goals between them in an ominous sign for the rest of the competition.

Thurgoona’s Mark Haydon, Rhys Hensel and Darcy Moore were gallant in defeat.

Barnawartha consolidated its spot on top of the ladder with an 80-point win over Yackandandah.

The Tigers had 11 scoring shots to one in the opening term with Mitch Exton, Matt McLinden, Adam Elias and Jordan Wolff in the thick of the action.

Danny Atwell continued his strong form for the Roos with Oliver McEwan and Lachlan Maslen also having their moments.

Kiewa-Sandy Creek thumped Dederang-Mount Beauty by 132 points.