FORMER Essendon star Michael Hurley has helped Swan Hill record their second win for the season.
The two-time All-Australian finished the day with four goals, leading the Swans’ efforts in cold and blustery conditions.
The game’s start was delayed by an hour and the final term was played out under lights.
Nyah forward Jarrod Skinner kicked the game’s first goal, before Hurley quickly answered after a strong mark in the goal square.
The first quarter was largely a midfield battle as both sides settled into the game.
Both sides went into quarter time without adding another goal, with the Swans leading by a single point.
Straight after the break Swan Hill turned up the intensity, peppering the Demons’ defence with repeat inside-50s.
Jared Halligan kicked the Swans’ second of the game, before Hurley followed, walking into an open goal square to score his second.
However, the Swans were unable to make this dominance count on the scoreboard before the main break.
Inaccurate first-half kicking kept the Demons in striking distance. And when Jarrod Skinner kicked his second of the game, an on-the-run effort late in the quarter, Nyah were able to keep the margin to just two goals.
Nyah-Nyah West’s Zack Threadgold and Joel Campbell were important for the Demons, their intercept marking keeping the Swans forwards from getting the ball to a contest.
Following half-time, Swan Hill continued their pressure.
Forward Zach Mihocek made the most of Hurley’s presence, which was drawing the Demons defenders.
Mihocek finished the game with three goals, all kicked in the third term, but had opportunities to add a few more to his tally throughout the game.
Ruckman Tobias Thoolen added a goal to his already impressive display in the ruck and around the ground. He and Matthew Wade’s ruck-rover connection became an important weapon for the Swans.
As the defenders tired both teams upped the scoring.
Hurley’s fourth goal, the last of the game, came from a snap from the pocket that the former Bomber made look easy.
FINAL SIREN
| SWAN HILL | 1.2 | 3.11 | 7.13 | 12.17 | 89 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NNW UNITED | 1.3 | 2.5 | 5.8 | 8.9 | 57 |
VOTES
3 – Toby Thoolen (Swan Hill)
2 – Zach Mihocek (Swan Hill)
1 – Michael Hurley (Swan Hill)
