South Barwon has replaced Bell Park inside the GFNL top-five after holding off the Dragons for a 23-point win at McDonald Reserve.
In at times trying conditions, the Swans picked up their eighth win of the season with an 8.12 (60) to 5.7 (37) victory.
South coach Mark Neeld walked away pleased with his team’s commitment.
“We thought as a coaching group, both sides were going exceptionally well and hard in the contest and making life difficult for the opposition,” Neeld told K rock Football post-game.
“I know it was a bit of a wet, greasy day, and there was a bit of a breeze for a little while.
“But we’re playing against a side that’s a really good side; they would certainly rate their chances of winning the premiership.
“So, in essence, even though it’s not finals time just yet, that was played like a final, (and) I think that’s really good for two young sides.”
Captain Matt Caldow was the most influential forward for the afternoon, finishing with three goals.
However, it was the performance of young defender Tom Bartlett, who was tasked with quelling Bell Park talisman Jack Sarcevic, that drew rave reviews, including from his coach.
“Second year of senior footy for Tom… he played some games at the Falcons and also at Modewarre,” Neeld said.
“He’s one of those players that is getting used to playing at this footy club but also at this level and also against adults week in, week out.
“We thought he was really good, and he’s been good for us for a long time – probably half a dozen weeks, to be fair.
“And again, it’s getting to know the individual. He’s not your rah-rah. He’s similar to Lachie Weidemann in that they clearly have a very low word limit each day, and you’ve just got to know what questions to ask.
“Because if you ask them a dumb one, they’ll answer it, and if they go over their limit, they’ve got nothing for you.”
Reigning Mathieson medallist Doyle Madigan thrived in the conditions, while Lachie and Connor Weidemann also impressed.
The Swans’ next challenge is ladder leader Newtown & Chilwell.
Bell Park, whose best players were Tom Pearson and Eli Pearce, has a challenging match-up with St Mary’s.
Colac has further strengthened its premiership credentials after outlasting St Joseph’s by 12 points at Central Reserve.
In a low-scoring slog, the Tigers kicked the only three goals of the final term to overcome a 10-point three-quarter time deficit and claim a 7.10 (52) to 5.10 (40).
Ruck Zach Zdybel, who kicked the final goal of the contest, was named Colac’s best along with Sam Giblett and Ryan Monaghan.
The Tigers remain fourth on the ladder, but have a better percentage than Joeys and Newtown & Chilwell, who have played one extra match.
Returning from Geelong VFL duty, Joey Chaplin battled hard for Joeys along with captain Al Hickey.
The loss has seen Joeys concede top spot on the ladder for the first time this season as they turn their attention to a mouthwatering meeting with two-time reigning Leopold next week.
Newtown & Chilwell has claimed top spot on the ladder after holding Grovedale goalless in a 172-point whitewash at Elderslie Reserve.
The Eagles were ruthless despite the conditions, slamming on seven goals in the opening quarter to set the tone for the afternoon.
If not for the home team’s inaccuracy, the 25.25 (175) to 0.3 (3) scoreline could have looked worse for the Tigers.
What would have pleased Newtown & Chilwell coach Steve Johnson the most would be the 15 individual goalkickers, led by four from Will O’Dwyer.
Leopold used a seven-goal third-quarter burst to shake off Geelong West at Memorial Park by 39 points.
The Lions led by the smallest of margins heading into the main break, but flicked the switch in the third quarter on their way to a 12.12 (84) to 6.9 (45) result.
Youngster Tait Lunnon-Johnson made the most of his first senior appearance since Round 5 with a career-high three goals, which was matched by teammate Connor Giddings.
With Lachie Horniblow goalless, Noah Allen and Brady Smigowski each kicked two majors.
As expected, St Mary’s took care of Lara, posting a 123-point victory at Anthony Costa Oval, 23.16 (154) to 5.1 (31).
The returning Charlie Sprague kicked three goals for the Saints, along with Fletcher Hughes, Elijah Wales, Sam Bourke, and captain Jack Blood.
Big man Ryan Bell and talented youngster finished with two goals apiece for the Cats, who remained without Darby Henderson.
St Albans has five wins on the board for the first time since 2019 after overcoming North Shore by 83 points at Windsor Park.
With spearhead Tom Higgins missing, Nic Clarke picked up the slack in the Supersaints forward line, kicking three goals in the 16.18 (114) to 4.7 (31) victory.
Fletcher Keck’s impressive season continued for the visitors, while Connor Walmsley worked hard for the Seagulls, finishing with 37 disposals and 14 clearances.
X: @krockfootball
