In a gripping contest, the Tigers led by 15 points at the last change and looked to be well in control of the match.

Despite kicking with the breeze in the last term the Tigers were forced to dig deep to shrug off the challenge of the Swans after some individual brilliance by Danyl Woods.

Woods kicked two classy goals to slash the margin to two points with 10 minutes remaining.

With the match up for grabs, Tigers coach Peter Cook roved the pack and kicked his sixth to hand his side an eight point lead and the momentum.

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But Swan ace Ricky Whitehead got the quick reply after he booted his fifth and set up a grandstand finish with less than two minutes remaining.

Clinging to a one point lead, unheralded Swan Luke Bokic had the chance to be the hero after he had a quick snap from 20m but kicked the ball out of bounds on the full.

The Tigers then survived another late rally from the Swans who again threatened in the dying stages to hold on for a 14.13 (97) to 14.12 (92) victory.

Cook rated the victory as the best and most courageous performance during his time with the Tigers.

"To be honest and I said it to the guys after the game, I've won a premiership before but this is the best win I have ever been involved in," Cook said.

"We had six blokes out there who if it had been a home and away match, would have come off today.

"To battle it out like we did was a gutsy performance.

"Tom Anson missed a quarter and a half and I rate him the best player in the competition.

"There was a lot of courageous efforts today and somehow we just found a way to hang on.

"They were challenging but to the boys credit they found something when they were all out of petrol tickets and didn't have anything left to give."

Anson, Cameron McNeill (thigh) and Cook (lower back) were all among the walking wounded after the match.

Cook enhanced his reputation as a September specialist with six goals including the sealer.

The inspirational coach also took a saving mark deep in defence in the frenetic final minutes.

Brad Dalbosco, Daniel Thompson and Tom Hofert were also four-quarter performers for the Tigers.

The Swans were best served by Ben Mason, Danyl Woods and Dylan McKane.