The final scoreboard read Swifts 15.16.106 to Edenhope-Apsley 4.5.29. 

Swifts coach Scott Carey said his side’s pressure was pivotal to the win. 

“Our forward pressure was really on point,” he said. 

“Early on it was a bit slippery. We knew that if we kept that pressure up they were going to turn the ball over and they did. 

“Fortunately we were able to capitalise on it and move the ball forward with pace and get on the scoredboard.” 

The opening quarter was tight between the two teams but Swifts came out on top and led 3.6.24 to 2.1.13 at the break.

The Saints were unable to score in the second term, with Swifts playing strongly in defence. 

By the halfway mark Swifts led the Saints 7.9.51 to 2.1.13. 

“There were big things riding on this game. We wanted third place, there is no doubt about it,” Carey said. 

“For us to do that we had to come out and play four quarters of football. 

“We’ve got some pretty good talent in the clubrooms that’s for sure. They hit the ground running when the ball bounces up for them and we took advantage of it.” 

Swifts’ half-backline was impressive in the contest, picking off almost every ball put into their defensive 50. 

Swifts forward Andrew Cameron was as lively as ever and made the difference in the opening half. He scored five goals for the day. 

“We are definitely playing finals but we still need to get over the line next week, we need to keep the momentum going – it’s a must heading into finals,” Carey said. 

“We are looking at giving a big shake-up. Whether people pick us in the finals or not it doesn’t really affect us. 

“We’ll just go in and if we can play anything like we did today I reckon we can compete with anyone.” 

Carey said it would be huge for the club to knock off either one of the heavy hitters in the finals series. 

“Moving forward that would be excellent,” he said. 

“I said to the boys if we get deep into finals, like I found out myself when we won the premiership, anything can happen,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re certainties to win or haven’t lost a game. If you turn up on the day and play the way we like to play then we can challenge any team.” 

Swift midfielder Ryan Folkes named best on ground. 

Carey said everyone played their role. 

“It’s a bit of a cliche, it was a team effort,” he said. “Ryan was really good early and set the win up, then they put a tag on him. He still had an influence.”