Chiltern emerge as a genuine top-three contender

An undermanned Bulldogs went down by a whopping 90-points against Chiltern who is growing in confidence by the week and have emerged as a genuine top-three contender.

The Swans' impressive 21.11 (137) to 7.5 (47) victory inflicted the Bulldogs' fourth defeat in the opening five rounds and has left the powerhouse languishing in ninth spot on the ladder.

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Co-coaches Kade Brown and Dan Cleary are now staring at the distinct possibility of missing finals for the first time since 2008 unless they can spark a stunning turnaround.

In contrast Luke Brookes' charges have laid the foundations for a top-three finish with a 4-1 record and the highest percentage in the competition.

In a promising sign, Mark Doolan played his best match for the Swans since returning in 2019, booting nine goals as a permanent forward.

Wodonga Raiders recruit Ethan Boxall also chimed in with five goals and provided another reliable avenue in attack.

In a further bonus, the solidly built Michael McWilliams played his second match of the season and is another dangerous goalkicking option when in form.

Jayden Vandermeer was best-on-ground playing in defence with his ability to break the lines and hurt the opposition with his pinpoint disposal.

Brookes was fully aware the Bulldogs were well below full-strength.

"We probably got them at a good time with six or seven blokes missing," Brookes said.

"But we are heading in the right direction, it's a new group and we are improving on a weekly basis.

"I feel we have got a good mix with an experienced core and some talented kids showing some promising signs.

"We know we are not a team of superstars and rely heavily on everybody contributing.

"Our one wood is our pressure and having a crack each week and so far the players have brought that intensity.

"We also have a bit of depth and there are a few blokes in the reserves pushing for a spot so blokes know they have to perform to keep their spot in the side."

Brookes revealed Doolan won't rotate through the midfield this season and will spearhead the Swans attack in a bid to keep him injury free.

Doolan has been plagued by calf injuries since 2019.

"We are going to be a lot smarter with 'Dool's' and his workload this season," Brookes said.

"He only trains one night a week and is doing a lot more work in the pool and boxing to maintain his fitness.

"There is no substitute for class and we just have to make sure we look after him and have him firing in September.

"Alongside Boxall we have two dangerous forwards and are a lot less predictable than in 2019 when we relied heavily on Ricky Whitehead to kick a winning score."

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