WILL Swan Hill’s nightmare end this week or will the Swans’ losing streak be extended to four?
The contrast between the Swans’ Round 4 and Round 14 encounters with Mallee Eagles was vast.
At the Showgrounds in Round 4 Swan Hill overcame a sluggish start to record a pretty comfortable victory.
At Lalbert on Saturday it was the other way around, with the Eagles’ running away with a 15.12 (102) to 8.10 (58) win.
The Swans have been hurt by the loss of Callan Beasy, while Hugh Foott — kept goalless at Lalbert — appears to be playing hurt despite being give the okay to play in the past fortnight following a hip injury.
Toby Thoolen also missed the game against the Eagles, meaning the Swans’ tall timber was spread thin.
All of a sudden the Swans appear at risk of losing the double chance and slipping back to a spot in the elimination final.
Following the Kangas, the Swans have United, the bye followed by Woorinen in the last round.
If they were to lose to the Kangas, the Swans game against Woorinen in the last round might well be for that double chance.
The Kangas seem destined to rue their slow start to the season.
It wasn’t until Round 5 that the Kangas won a game — a 21-point win over Woorinen — with a costly loss at home in Round 1 to the Mallee Eagles and a disappointing three-point defeat to United at Nyah in Round 3.
Things would be looking differently if the Kangas had won those games — they would be equal with Tooleybuc Manangatang.
The loss to the Demons, in particular, is disappointing since that club has only won three games to this stage of the season — including matches against Lake Boga and Tyntynder.
If Toby Thoolen remains out the Swans will continue to be stretched for height by the Kangas, who could press home an advantage in the ruck with Christian Bock.
Regardless of where they finish up, the Swans need to regain some momentum and fast before a promising season is totally derailed.
At home tomorrow they should be able to do that in a close game.
TIP: Swan Hill by 12 points.
