Down, but not out, with one term left to play, a blitz of red and white rained down on Echuca Bombers’ defence to lead the Swans to a 6.6 (42) to 6.14 (50) victory on enemy soil.
One major was all that split the sides in the opening exchange as Echuca led by four goals to the visitors’ three.
At half-time the scoreboard read an even balance; 25-all.
Echuca then kicked into gear, stretching its neck out to a six-point buffer with one term to play.
The Swans needed something special — and fast.
Coincidentally, that is exactly what they produced, running rampant inside 50 to storm home with three goals and five behinds in the last to steal the win away.
Swans forwards Edward Telford and Sam Jeffery kicked two each, while Kade Thomas masterminded the win from the middle.
Over the border, Shepparton Notre was unable to wrest a result from ladder-leader Moama.
Notre took until the last quarter to come into the contest, eventually falling at the feet of the Magpies 13.8 (86) to 5.3 (33).
Sharpshooter Lachlan Hogan was at his menacing best for Moama, terrorising the Bears’ backline with an impressive haul of six.
For the losing outfit, Murray Pattison snagged two majors with Noah Muir named best.
The loss opens up the gap at the top between the two sides, with 12 points separating Moama and Notre with the Swans sidling up alongside the Bears in equal second.
Following in fourth is Wanderers, which had the bye, and Echuca, on 12 points apiece.
More local sport
VFL/W exports | Schache boots six for Footscray, while Hicks shines for North
BASLW | Blues beaten at home by cantering Colts
Suns stamp out Bulleen with brilliant brand of football
20°C