MACORNA held off a fast-finishing Moulamein side to claim their fourth win of the season, off the back of a strong performance by midfielder Malcolm Neiwand.
The win keeps the Tigers three games clear inside the league’s top four as they hunt down third-placed Wandella.
The Tigers burst out of the gates, dashing away to a 53-point half-time lead before the Swans were able to kick their first goal of the game.
Moulamein missed all five first-half shots at goal. Had they converted a few, the scoreline could have been much kinder to the Swans.
Macorna coach Scott Wishart said the scoreboard flattered his side early.
“Moulamein weren’t too bad to start the match,” he said.
“They missed a couple of shots early, which I think may have dented their confidence a little bit to start them off.
“We were able to put that scoreboard pressure on them early, and up until half-time we had really good control of the game.
“I think had they kicked a few of those early ones, it would have been a different story.”
Neiwand impressed early for the Tigers, with Wishart applauding his performance in his two roles.
“Our midfield were working really hard to get the ball forward,” he said.
“We were getting some good run and carry out of there and getting first use of the ball.
“That’s half the battle really. If you can get lock the ball in your forward half until you score, that’s the key.
“(Neiwand) put in a fantastic performance yesterday.
“We like our mids to be able to hit the scoreboard when they’re resting down forward, and he certainly did that yesterday.”
In the third term Moulamein were able to seize momentum through their stoppage work, largely due to the ruckwork of Heath Moloney.
Moloney kicked three goals for the game, but was integral to getting the Swans back into the contest with his tap work and winning his own clearances.
Trae Atkinson was also important to Moulamein’s fightback, providing immense run from his wing.
The Swans added four goals in the third term, while holding the Tigers to one, but still trailed by 34 points at the final break.
Moulamein got as close as three points in the final term, but Macorna were able to hold off the ferocious finish to come away with a 10-point win.
Wishart said he was proud of his team’s gritty performance.
“They had us on the ropes late,” he said.
“But we were able to get control of the game and keep possession of the football and let the clock run down.
“When a team has that momentum going their way it can be hard to stop, and it can be hard to wrestle that back your way.
“Sam Whinfield was one who stood up for us when we were getting pushed late.
“He was able get our clearances and get us forward, one in particular that really gave us some breathing space.”
Reigning premiers Hay continued their unbeaten streak this season, claiming a narrow victory over closest competitors Hay.
Without key forward Declan Watson, the Lions relied on seven goalkickers to put a winning score on the board. Angus Gardiner and Jim Houston were multiple goalkickers with two each.
The two sides couldn’t be split early in the match, before Hay were able to get over some inaccuracy to lead by five points at the major break.
Ryan Deverux was the leading goalkicker for the Roos with three. Five other Ultima players finished the game with a single goal.
In a hotly contested second half, Hay’s Brad Pocock and Kenneth Jubb were able to get on top of their opponents while Daniel Stewart’s run off half-back added another threat.
Mitch Makepeace was a strong performer for Ultima, while Cameron Johnson did admirably in the centre.
In the round’s other match, Wandella were able to overcome an early onslaught from Murrabit to claim a 22-point win over the Blues.
The Blues carried a 10-point lead into quarter-time, but Wandella were able to keep hold of the lead for the rest of the game.
Michael Rowe provided an edge for the Bombers, finishing the game with five goals, while Murrabit shared their goals around. Patrick Bryan, Sam Copland, Patrick Keenan and Jack Shannahan each kicked two.
But the midfield battle was fierce all game, with the Blues’ Nathan O’Toole and Ben Gillingham going head to head with Kaine O’Connell and Russell Rich, all four impressing.
Defenders Sam and Tom Copland and Jacob Wade performed admirably in defeat for the Blues, while Tim Robinson, Archer Lancaster, Michael Rowe and Laing Waddingham were among the best for the Bombers.
