Yackandandah outlast Chiltern to go a game clear on top of the ladder

The Roos proved that last week's victory over Tallangatta was no fluke to claim their second big scalp in as many weeks.

Darren Holmes' charges booted five goals to one in the third term to snatch the lead and then held their nerve in a tense last quarter to eventually prevail 12.10 (82) to 11.10 (76).

After being stuck in the finals wilderness since 2010, the Roos now sit one game clear on top of the ladder.

Holmes paid tribute to his young charges who answered every challenge the desperate Swans threw at them during the top-of-the-table clash.

"That's a massive win for our club and supporters," Holmes said.

"We were no good in the first quarter and paid the price as Chiltern opened up a three goal lead.

"I put it on the players to respond at half-time and told them a few home truths.

"To come out in the second-half and boot eight goals to five against a quality side like Chiltern speaks volumes of this group.

"It's incredible when you think about it and I couldn't be prouder of the players than I am right now."

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Trailing by 17-points at the main break Holmes made several changes including switching Jay Hillary onto Swans dangerman and the league's leading goalkicker in Mark Doolan.

Hillary was able to blanket Doolan and was instrumental for the Roos alongside Harry McBurnie, David Price and Nick Donaghey who bobbed up with a match-winning five goals.

McBurnie snapped a clever goal late in the final term to seal the win.

To the Swans' credit they got within a goal of the Roos' on three occasions during the final term but couldn't land the knockout blow.

Bodie Hibberson, Ethan Boxall and Tom Lehmann who kicked two last quarter goals never stopped trying for the visitors.

Holmes conceded that in past seasons that the Roos would have folded when the match was up for grabs.

But he couldn't fault the fighting spirit of his players this season.

"There is no doubt that was the sort of match we would have lost in years gone by," Holmes said.

"These are the sorts of wins that build character.

"We are coming from a long way back but that will instill a bit of self belief within the group.

"We have still got a long way to go and there is seven rounds left."

Adding further merit to the win the Roos were without No. 1 ruckman Justin Maybury and Nick Houston.

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