HENTY staged a stunning fightback to pinch an eight-point victory over Rand-Walbundrie-Walla at Henty on Saturday.
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Clinging to a one point lead at the last break, the Swampies looked to be on the ropes after the Giants kicked three of the first four goals to establish a handy 11-point lead midway through the last quarter.
But the Swampies rallied with the final three goals of the match.
Jared Farwell booted a long range goal to slash the margin to less than a kick before Sam Terlich bobbed up with a clever snap to regain the lead for the home side by the barest of margins.
With the match up for grabs, Swampie spearhead Tyson Muller got on the end of a searing pass from Farwell and made no mistake to seal the thrilling eight-point win.
The stirring 13.4 (82) to 11.8 (74) victory was a fitting tribute for loyal clubman Jimmy Ellis who was celebrating his 200th match in the red and white.
The Giants would be ruing a lost opportunity after having more scoring shots and letting a golden opportunity to consolidate a spot inside the top-six slip from their grasp.
Swampie coach Heath Ohlin paid tribute to his players for maintaining their composure in the tense final term after the visitors established a handy 11-point buffer.
"We have been putting a fair amount of work in at training on how to react when we lose momentum in a match," Ohlin said.
"The most pleasing thing was we didn't panic and blaze away when the pressure was on and got two goals behind.
"I was just rapt to get the win for Jimmy Ellis who has been a loyal servant of the club.
"200 matches is a phenomenal effort and is something that is becoming a lot less common.
"I rate that as our best win of the season so far and to be 5-2 heading into the bye, we certainly have laid the foundations to play finals."
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Farwell proved to be a match-winner for the Swampies.
The solidly built midfielder racked up 30 plus possessions in the midfield.
Farwell is one of the most penetrating kicks in the competition with his goal midway through the last term from outside 50m a highlight.
He finished with three goals which proved pivotal in the win.
Dylon Simpson, Fletcher Macreadie Brayden Skeers and Nathan Klimpsch were also solid contributors for the home side.
The Giants were best served by coach Lucas Mellier while Tom Holman and Jack Duck were also influential.
Teenager Nathan Wardius enhanced his growing reputation with four goals.
Henty are set to regain key forward Shannon Terlich after the bye.
