CHILTERN charged into the top five for the first time in more than two months with a stunning seven-point win over Dederang-Mount Beauty at Dederang on Saturday.
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After being ripped apart by Bomber star Daniel Bradshaw early to trail by 36 points at quarter-time, the Swans produced a remarkable fightback to clinch one of their most famous victories.
Bradshaw kicked six goals in the opening term but was starved of opportunities from that point as Chiltern dominated the clearances on the back of brilliance from former Wodonga Raiders champion Mark Doolan.
Swan co-coach Kirk Wilson was ecstatic with the result.
“It was an unbelievable win,” Wilson said.
“There is a really good feeling about the place and, now we are in the five, we want to stay there.
“Even though we were six goals down at quarter-time, the belief was still there and the boys were just sensational the way they slowly clawed their way back into the game.
“They kept at it and at it and we got the reward.
“The good thing is we are beating teams above us on the ladder and playing well at the right time of the season.”
Chiltern has edged into fifth spot on percentage ahead of Dederang-Mount Beauty and is favoured to play off in the elimination final with matches against Tallangatta and Beechworth to come.
The Bombers play Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Tallangatta.
Besides Doolan, Dane O’Neill and Matt Nichol continued their fine seasons for the Swans while Rod Shannon and Jayden Vandermeer were also impressive after quarter-time.
Chiltern hit the lead for the first time in the third quarter and held off several challenges from the home team in the final term.
“It was one of those days where we didn’t have a passenger,” Wilson said.
“We need to do the same thing against Tallangatta this week because I think we can do some real damage if we get into the finals.”
Dederang-Mount Bea- uty coach Marc Almond was shattered with the loss.
“We made a great start but couldn’t sustain it,” Almond said.
“After quarter-time we pretty much got slaughtered out of the middle.
“It’s really disappointing, but we can only look ahead and try to get things right.”