SWAN Hill have claimed bragging rights over traditional rivals Tyntynder with a hard-fought 16-point win on Saturday night.
In a game marred by skill errors, influenced by slippery and dewy conditions, the Swans proved cleaner with the ball when it counted, recording a 7.10 (52) to 4.12 (36) victory.
The result left the Swans in sixth position, but outside the top five on percentage only, but with winnable games against Koondrook-Barham, Lake Boga and Tooleybuc-Manangatang ahead.
Tyntynder’s finals hopes were left in tatters, their sixth loss from eight games likely forcing them to win every match for the remainder of the home-and-away season to remain a mathematical chance.
The Bulldogs only have themselves to blame however, with inaccuracy in front of goal plaguing them throughout the opening half of the match, kicking nine straight behinds before splitting finally splitting the big sticks.
Their opening goal came from the boot of Liam Whelan, in the 13th minute of the third quarter, but remarkably, it left them trailing by just 15 points, with Swan Hill having their own issues in penetrating forward 50 with any real purpose.
The match was largely played between the half-back lines, with both teams entering the game with makeshift forward lines in the absences of Zach Mihocek for Swan Hill and both Jason Eagle and Justin Ellis for Tyntynder.
This, combined with the slippery conditions, made scoring difficult, with many errant forward entries intercepted.
Xavier Moloney and Jarvis Keogh were both influential in the back half for the Swans, while Matthew Gillbee and Elliott Broad did likewise at the other end of the ground for the Bulldogs.
While Tyntynder dominated time in forward half through the second and third term, the class of Matthew Wade and the big-bodied presence of Toby Thoolen proved the difference, especially in the frantic final quarter.
After a pair of Matt Corney goals late in the third term, the Bulldogs had reduced the margin to just six points, and when Zac Denham kicked the opening goal of the final term, the crosstown rivals looked set to play out another classic finish.
The Swans had other ideas however, with Thoolen extending the margin back out to 10 points approaching time-on, before Lachie Joyce put the final nail in the coffin minutes later with his first goal of the night.
Wade continued his strong form in a best-on-ground performance for the Swans, while Brandon Houlihan was also influential through the midfield alongside the two-time Jack Betts Medallist.
Corney was a clear standout for the Bulldogs with his run and drive through the middle of the ground, providing his team with many forward entries throughout the night.
FINAL SIREN
| SWAN HILL | 2.4 | 3.6 | 5.6 | 7.10 | 52 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TYNTYNDER | 0.2 | 0.7 | 3.12 | 4.12 | 75 |
VOTES
3 – Matthew Wade (Swan Hill)
2 – Matt Corney (Tyntynder)
1 – Toby Thoolen (Swan Hill)
