A CALF injury to classy utility Mark Doolan has marred an emphatic 39-point victory by Chiltern over Mitta United at Mitta on Saturday.
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Doolan booted two goals and was only playing his second match for the Swans after coming out of retirement the previous round.
The five-time Wodonga Raiders best and fairest winner limped off during the third-quarter and is expected to miss the next month.
With its season on the line, Mitta United was still in the contest at the last break, trailing by 13-points.
But co-coach Ricky Whitehead stood tall when his side needed him most, to kick five last-quarter goals as the Swans ran out convincing 21.8 (134) to 14.11 (95) winners.
Whitehead finished with nine goals to claim best-on-ground honours and regain the lead in the goalkicking table.
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It was his fourth highest bag of the season after cracking double figures against Wodonga Saints, Beechworth and Wahgunyah.
Co-coach Luke Brookes said the match turned into an old fashioned shootout with Blues' Drew Cameron also bagging seven goals.
"It was a pretty high scoring and free flowing sort of game," Brookes said.
"So it was good to come away with the victory because history says it's always tough to win up at Mitta.
"From a coaching perspective it was pleasing how we were able to run out the game and boot seven goals in that last-quarter.
"We had a huge pre-season on our big ground and our ability to run out games is one of our strengths.
"Ricky is playing some good footy at the minute and I rate him as the best forward in the competition."
Classy performers Chris Anderson, Marcus Roberts and Danyl Woods ensured Whitehead was provided with plenty of opportunities.
Anderson and Woods were also dangerous when pushing forward to finish with seven goals between them.
Chiltern sit third with an 8-3 record after having played every side once.
The Swans can consolidate its lofty standing over the next month against Wodonga Saints, Dederang-Mt Beauty, Rutherglen and Beechworth.
"Top-three is a realistic goal now after the way we have set our ourselves up," he said.
"I know our critics at the start of the year were quick to point out that we had an easy draw.
"But we have played everyone now and are 8-3 so we are definitely more than competitive.
"It will be interesting to hear what our critics have got to say now?"
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