Terlich who had been in good touch so far this season with 14 goals kicked an early goal in an ominous sign for the visitors.

But the Swampies were dealt a major blow shortly after when Terlich injured his collarbone and took no further part in the match.

Compounding their woes Tom Newton was also a first-quarter casualty with concussion.

Despite the early setback, the Swampies established a 27-point half-time lead and were never seriously threatened as they posted a gritty 12.15 (87) to 11.7 (73) win.

Henty dominated the second-quarter with Dylon Simpson, Sam Scott and Jared Farwell instrumental in the visitors gaining the ascendancy.

But some sloppy finishing after booting 3.6 to 1.1 left the door slightly ajar for the Lions to mount a comeback.

The home side was lucky to be still in the contest with Trent Logue a standout in defence with his ability to read the play and drag down several relieving marks.

Wodonga Raiders recruit Jack Chesser kicked a couple of clever goals in the third-quarter on his way to a five goal haul and helped narrow the gap to 14-points at the last change.

But the Swampies snuffed out any chance of the Lions mounting a stirring comeback as they kicked the opening three goals of the last-quarter to seal the win.

IN OTHER NEWS

Some atrocious skill errors by the Lions, especially by foot would no doubt have frustrated coach Craig Bosley.

Rookie coach Heath Ohlin said the win was a lot more gritty than pretty.

"It ended up being a war of attrition after losing a couple of players early," Ohlin said.

"Arguably we should have had the game won by half-time but didn't capitalise from some turnovers.

"I said at half-time we are a couple of rotations down in the midfield and we are all going to have to carry the load.

"We then lost another player at the start of the third-quarter.

"To Culcairn's credit they came hard in that third-quarter to get within two goals.

"But we answered the challenge in the last term and it was the kids like Charlie Doig on debut as well as Ben Carmichael, Ethan Muller and Max Klemke who I was most proud of."

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