Premiership contender Chiltern has crushed Tallangatta's top-three aspirations after a convincing 44-point win at Tallangatta on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Swans had twice as many scoring shots than the Hoppers in the first-half but only led by eight points after some wayward conversion let the home side off the hook.
But Chiltern poured on the pressure in the second-half, booting eight goals to three to record a 14.18 (102) to 9.4 (58) victory.
Touted as the flag favourite at the start of the season the Hoppers have failed to live up the hype and sit fifth with 6-4 record.
They face a season defining stretch over the next month with matches against Dederang-Mt Beauty, Mitta United, Kiewa-Sandy Creek and Barnawartha.
In contrast the Swans look assured of a top-three finish with an 8-2 record and still remain in the hunt for the minor premiership.
Coach Luke Brookes was rapt with the response of his charges after having their colours lowered against ladder leader Yackandandah the previous week.
"Last week we had a lot of blokes down and got beat by a kick by the ladder leaders," Brookes said.
"Internally we believe we are one of the best sides in the competition and I feel we proved that today.
"I thought the pressure was first-rate today and the players know when it's their turn to go, they go.
"I know I have got a group of players there that won't shirk the issue."
In a positive sign for the Swans in the countdown to finals, Wodonga Raiders recruit Ethan Boxall arguably played his best match so far after booting six goals.
While a lot of his team-mates missed opportunities, Boxall is a classy finisher with uncanny goal sense.
His clever snap from the boundary during the third-quarter was one of the highlights of the match.
Ruckman Kyle Magee had an enthralling battle with Barton medallist Scott Spencer while Tom Leehman, Bodie Hibberson and Kyle Cooper were also four-quarter performers.
The Hoppers were best served by Ethan Riddington alongside Spencer, Luke Fraser and Ben Hollands.
Hollands bobbed-up with two classy goals early in the final term to get his side within 12 points before the Swans responded with the final five goals of the match.
Brookes said the Swans would work on their goalkicking ahead of finals.
"Our two losses against Barnawartha and Yackandandah were a result of our goalkicking," he said.
"If we had of kicked straight, we would have put them both away."
