The Stawell-based Horsham District league team defeated Laharum in round 13 with the final scoreboard reading Swifts 8.14 (62) to Laharum 8.8 (56). 

The first quarter was the most important term for the Baggies who scored 5.2 (32) to 0.2 (2). 

“We always want to score early and come out firing, we like to stamp our authority on the game,” Baggies coach Scott Carey said. 

“Our midfield got on top early, which helped us get the score on the board.” 

Carey and his team knew the job wasn’t done after the first quarter. 

“Laharum weren’t going to stop, especially on their home ground. They came back and made a real game of it,” he said. 

“I think we had a lapse in the second quarter, Laharum came out more physical.” 

Carey said it turned into a hard slog.  

“Both teams had their chances in the last quarter,” he said. “It was a game that came down to the last kick.” 

The Baggies’ first quarter was essential to the team winning the game. 

“Our first quarter was excellent, to do what we did… it set the game up,” Carey said. 

“And then to see we could shut down Laharum and decrease their scoring route was great to see.” 

Ben Taylor had an outstanding game and scored three goals. 

Ryan Folkes had a strong game and Carey said he was almost unstoppable with his run and carry. He was named best on ground for the Baggies.

“I like to think we had more authority,” he said. 

“Our next three games are pretty important. I told the boys that everything now is to gear up and focus on what we do right. Make sure your bodies are good and we will look at having some extra sessions. Our minds need to get set for finals. We still need to tick the boxes everywhere.” 

Laharum co-coach Todd Heynen said his team couldn’t get back after the first quarter. 

“After that quarter everything was pretty positive. We won three quarters from the four,” he said. 

“They had such a big lead we couldn’t catch them.” 

Heynen said it was a relatively clean game. 

“Both teams were a bit frustrated at times. The momentum changed a few time too,” he said. “We weren’t too disappointed with the outcome though.” 

Angus Martin was moved into the ruck in the second quarter, Heynen said after they made that change the tide started to turn. 

“Stoppages started to go our way,” he said. “Angus was very important. Robbie Miller played well on-ball in the first quarter, he is the one that stood up. Tom Crawford rarely got beaten and was damaging on the rebound.” 

Crawford was named best on ground for Laharum. 

“We are likely to play them again so we will refer to this for next time,” Heynen said.