Both games had season-defining ramifications with the Swifts and Natimuk hunting a place in the 2021 finals series.

On the court, after an hour of action, the two sides couldn't be separated as they played out a 40-40 draw.

On the weekend which was scheduled for a bye, before the breaks in the season - both teams went in undermanned due to unavailability and injuries.

It was the Baggies who jumped out of the blocks and set a cracking pace through the mid-court, breaking out to five-goal lead at half time.

But the Rams kept coming and nothing was going to stop them from closing in on the margin.

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With the see-sawing battle decided with the last play of the day, the last 10 seconds.

Natimuk shooters worked it around the ring and rushed to pop up a shot that fell straight into the net - the siren sounded. From being behind all day, the Rams were able to tie with Swifts, 40-40.

Swifts A Grade coach Kristy Dodds said her team was prepared for a game which was going to go down to the wire.

"Both teams were fighting for the four points to secure that sixth spot," she said.

"We knew heading into the game that Natimuk would be physically tough and strong attackers at the ball and our team had to match it.

"I was happy with how the team adjusted to this and fought hard for every ball."

The draw was enough for the Swifts to hold onto the coveted sixth spot, as they sit one game clear inside the finals spots.

But their place will sit on a knife's edge over the remaining five matches, with a round 11 clash against third-placed Harrow-Balmoral looming as a strong test for the squad.

The future of the Swifts' senior football season is also delicately placed after going down 13.7 (85) to 10.21 (81) to Natimuk in round 10.

The Swifts earnt 13 more scoring shots than the Rams throughout the day, but couldn't capitalise on their opportunities.

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The Baggies looked skillful and composed in the first half, but were inaccurate in front of goal, kicking 8.10 (58) to lead by just 19 points at halftime.

But there was a rapid momentum shift in the third quarter as the Rams hit the scoreboard, aided by a vocal home crowd, to gain a lead they wouldn't lose.

The Swifts settled in the final term and regained their composure, but kicked a wasteful 2.7, falling four-points short and completing a day of missed opportunities.

Todd Matthews led the way up forward for the Swifts, kicking four goals, while Jakob Salmi and Scott Carey were influential through the middle of the ground.

Liam Scott was also important for the Swifts down back as he shadowed his opponent and repelled Rams' attacks all day.

Similar to the Swifts' netballers, the footballers will face a stern test in round 11 when they host a rejuvenated Harrow-Balmoral squad that has been in ominous form.

Round 11 fixtures

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