Making the trip to Stawell, the Demons’ finals hopes rested on a victory over the Baggies.

Laharum started the match the better of the two sides, opening the game with the first goal.

However, it was Swifts that that took a crucial nine-point lead into the first break, a margin that should have been larger if not for inaccurate kicking in front of goal.

“I like to think the last few weeks we have started well, got that buffer and made it hard for teams to get back in the game,” Swifts coach Scott Carey said.

Despite losing coach Robbie Miller to a broken leg in the first term, the Demons continued to surge for the next two quarters.

Booting just one goal from eight attempts hurt Laharum in the third period, cutting the deficit to three points but squandering a chance to hit the lead.

As the rain began to fall in the final term, a fitter Swifts side ran out the stronger of the two teams.

The Baggies kept Laharum goalless in the final term, recording an 8.15 (63) to 6.13 (49) victory. Inaccuracy cost the Baggies a chance at a larger victory, scoring seven behinds in the last period.

“Their kicking in the third quarter cost them a bit,” Carey said.

“Whether it was perceived or scoreboard pressure, we were able to capitalise. 

“In that last quarter the tempo picked up and I was happy with how the boys hit the contest.

“Unfortunately we just weren't  able to capitalise one some really good chances to score goals and kill the game earlier.”

The loss sees Laharum slip to eighth on the ladder – six points short of sixth place. Losing Miller as well makes their run at a finals spot slim now.

Miller said despite losing the game he could not be prouder of the efforts from his players.

“I was on the phone as soon as I could to see how we played,” he said.

“The boys put in a big-hearted effort which is hard to do especially when you run out of rotations like we did.

“In the end it probably comes down to some missed opportunities which really hurt us.”

Read more: All the scores from round 10 of the HDFL 

Carey said it was a great win for his team against a competitive team like Laharum.

“The way Laharum play they are never going to let you break away. They played a great game of team footy today which was a especially impressive given Robbie missed most of the match,” he said.

“Fortunately we were able to stay focused in that last quarter and grind out a win.”

Cooper Henson, Angus Martin and Tom Crawford were among Laharum’s best.

Adrian Reid was strong for the Baggies on the wing while their defence worked together well once again.

“Adrian had an outstanding game on the win, he was really damaging,” Carey said.

“Liam Scott down back had a big game playing on Angus Martin but also created his own play so he was vital for us too.

“We have tried to keep our backline solid and unchanged and it’s evident they have been able to work together for a fair chunk of football. They don’t leave it to one person to do all the work which is fantastic.”

Swifts move inside the top four with the victory.