Ladder leader Swan Reach has broken Swifts Creek’s six-game winning streak, running out 34-point winners at home in round 14 of the Omeo District Football Netball League.
As good as the Demons have been, the Swans did what most expected, a side that contains three of the most talented players the region has produced in modern times, making light work of formidable opponents in recent weeks in a competition of this magnitude.
It’s the first time for the season that Daniel Hayes, Alex Saunders and Darren Allen have played in the same side, and several times throughout the afternoon the Demons threatened to get on the roll, only to be thwarted by sheer class and exquisite delivery of the three musketeers.
The Demons led by just nine points at the final break, but Swan Reach upped the ante in the final term, kicking five goals to one, winning impressively while still working on what their ideal structure will be heading into finals action.
Competition best and fairest favourite, Saunders finished with six goals and Daniel Hayes four, with any of the big three suited to role close to goal if need be.
Dylan Turner kicked three goals for the Demons, who struggled for goals from their midfielders, who were preoccupied trying to contain their dangerous opponents.
No prizes for guessing the best for the Swans, Saunders, Allen, Daniel Hayes, Boris Bryant, the consistent Michael Hayes, Peter Ritchie and Will Forrester.
Brodie Cameron led the way for Swifts Creek, Andrew Sandy was again prominent the ruck, while Turner, Dillon Bittner, and the Crellin brothers, Tom and Rob had solid patches.
Swan Reach will do battle with its arch rival, Bruthen this week, and it will be interesting to see if it takes the opportunity to rest Daniel Hayes, one thing that you can guarantee is that Allen will be suiting up, needing to play to qualify for the finals.
Swifts Creek will welcome Buchan, who will be keen to cause an upset victory and snatch a late finals spot at the expense of the Bulldogs.
The Demons will be reluctant to allow the Cavemen any advantage as they would have to play them seven days later in the elimination final, if Buchan get the four points and the Bulldogs lose.
