Despite leading for most of the encounter, the Hoppers were overrun by the Swans who booted five goals to two to secure a confidence boosting 13 point win.

"It was disappointing," Parsons said.

"The devastating part was being on top for three-quarters but not being able to convert it to scoreboard pressure.

"There were excuses because we only had one man on the bench after quarter time."

IN OTHER NEWS

Both Parsons (hamstring) and assistant coach Tom Russell went off early in the contest with injuries.

Parson said both would be definite starters against Kiewa Sandy Creek on Sunday.

Star forward James Breen has been ruled out for the finals series with a fractured scaphoid.

"Chiltern also beat us in the dying minutes in the first round," he said.

"I suppose the positive is if we had of beat Chiltern we would have beaten all of the top-three sides."

Kiewa Sandy Creek also has its fair share of injury concerns with the biggest concerning a lower back problem with spearhead Guy Telford.

The Hawks will start favourites after comfortably winning both encounters so far this season.

Parsons missed the first round encounter while Barton medallist Scott Spencer missed the second round clash.

If Telford is a definite starter, he can expect to be opposed by Hopper defender Mitch Seaton.

Seaton played on the league's leading goalkicker in Chiltern's Ricky Whitehead last weekend and kept him to three goals and one of his lowest tallies for the season.

"Our back six is one of our biggest assets and combine well down there," he said.

"I think if they can keep Telford to four goals or less it will go a long way to winning the match.

"But they got Chris Dove back late in the season to help cover the loss of Mitch Paton and we can't afford to let him slip under our guard either.

"We won't be too Telford conscious, if you put all your energy into stopping one key forward, someone else bobs up and hurts you.

"We won't be complacent in that regard."