In a gripping contest, the Swans trailed by 14 points at the last change but had the advantage of kicking with the breeze.

Despite the advantage, the Swans were forced to dig deep to shrug of the challenge of their less fancied rival and hit the front late in the final term when co-coach Ricky Whitehead kicked his third goal.

The visitors were then forced to defend grimly in the dying minutes to hold on for a 10.12 (72) to 10.11 (71) victory.

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Whitehead said it was a lucky escape for his charges who hold a six point buffer in third over Kiewa-Sandy Creek with five rounds remaining.

"We certainly dodged a bullet," Whitehead said.

"They had the wind in the first quarter and nearly blew us away kicking 4.3 to three points.

"After jumping us they were up and about.

"The conditions were atrocious and it was really windy and wet and the ground really fairly choppy.

"We got back to even at half-time but they pulled away by five goals in the third quarter and we were fortunate to peg a few back late.

"It really bucketed down in the last quarter and we were lucky enough to hit the front with five minutes to go.

"The last five minutes both sides had chances to win but we still had our noses in front when the final siren went.

"That was our second one point win away from home this season."

Chiltern ruckman Nick Bracher was best on ground with Michael McWilliams and Marcus Roberts also four quarter performers.

Cody Hewat was superb for the Bombers with five goals.