IT was a score line no one could have predicted following Milawa's record-breaking 317-point demolition of Glenrowan last week.
At quarter time of Saturday's match against 13th-placed Swanpool, the Demons trailed by five points.
In two previous matches against Milawa, Swanpool had failed to score a goal, managing just four behinds in eight quarters of football.
On Saturday they had five goals on the board by the end of the first quarter.
In fairness to Milawa, the ladder leader was severely depleted.
Scott Gardner, Scott Pell, Tim Lewis, Ryan Hussey and Ben Clarke were all missing, and the Demons had a handful of players doubling up after playing a full game in the reserves.
But at the same time Swanpool's effort needs recognition.
While they didn't win the game, the Swans were never blown away, with the Demons getting up by 35 points.
Coach Darby Morrison was immensely proud of his charges afterwards.
"They were undermanned, but we probably had half a dozen players out of our best side as well," Morrison said.
"I think after their record haul last week they might have just thought all they needed to do was show up.
"I knew conditions were going to deteriorate further with another 10mm of rain on the way, so it was crucial to get off to a good start.
"To be in front at quarter time was massive, but it was the way that we prepared ourselves and went on with it, and didn't let them break it open, that really impressed me."
Morrison said the Swans based their game on constant pressure.
"It's all about winning the contested footy and sustaining the pressure on the opposition," he said.
"If you keep at it, even the best sides make mistakes.
"The first quarter definitely improved our sense of confidence, and from there we felt like we were good enough to win it.
"It was only 20 minutes of the second quarter that was ultimately the difference, but I think we did enough to suggest we will trouble any side if we maintain that level of pressure for four quarters."
On-ballers Brad Bell, Craig Lieschke, Martin Pelly and Jack Finnegan starred for the Swans, while Jeff Whitehead, Nick Hallum, Tim Allan and Chris Oates were pivotal for the Demons.
Morrison said the aim for the Swans now was to win at least two, but ideally three of their remaining games.
"We've still got Goorambat and Tatong to come, so we definitely want to win those," he said.
"But the time has come for us to take a big scalp, and if we want to be fair dinkum we have to beat a Moyhu, Whorouly or a Milawa.
"The other ones are good, but we want to beat a top side.
"We're working hard on recruiting for next year, and if we can get a big win on the board that will certainly help."
By - SCOTT ANDERSON.
www.nenews.com.au
Last Modified on 17/07/2012 19:46
