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The game was fairly even up until the long break with both sides holding sway throughout the opening two quarters.  But it was the Dogs that came out firing after the break in a dominating performance led by Jake Schuback.

Stratford started their match against Sale City in promising style registering the opening major.

The Swans had the Dogs measure early, gaining plenty of possession in a tough tussle before the momentum swung the way of the home side.

Downes opened City’s account before an intercept on the wing saw Justin Brown slot through his first.

Mark Nichols strolled into goal to bring the visitors back to within a point.

The Swans dominance quickly faded as City strung four goals together in as many minutes, to blow the game apart.

A long bomb by Schuback signalling the challenge, Schuback adding his second in as many minutes courtesy of Daniel Murphy.

Before Brown added his second before Adam Brander got in on the act, the margin blowing out to four majors.

Centre clearances set up successive goals, as Schuback dominance become evident.

Three missed shots prior to the quarter time siren provided some relief for the Swans who went into the first change 40 points down, 8.3 (52) to 2.0 (12).

Stratford added the first two in the second term, Ryan O’Keefe picking up the lose ball to run into goal before City quickly responded.

City quickly began chopping up the Swans defence of Dylan Cartwright, Luke Nicholls and Marty McDonough as they capitalised on their opportunities.

Some relief was provided Schuback yellow carded before a 50 metre penalty brought Stratford into scoring range the Swans adding their fifth.

McDonough added another to Stratford’s score, as to O’Keefe.  The Swans outscoring the Dogs five goals to two to reduce the margin back to 22 points at the long break.

It can only be described as a mauling after main change, the Dogs booting 16 goals to three as they ran all over the top of the Swans.

City adding six majors in the third term, a late goal by Swan O’Keefe making the margin more respectable in the shadows of three quarter time.

The final quarter was a formality with the Dogs adding 10 goals to one.

Schuback was judged best a field for the Dogs finishing the match with eight.  Brown and Downes also among the goals in the final term booting five a piece.

Beau Wilson was also impressive, with Adam Brander instrumental in and around the packs.

For the Swans O’Keefe finished the match with four in a best on ground effort, while Jarryd Closhey never gave up and Nick Farley was kept in close check by the opposition.

Third placed Boisdale played host to ladder leaders HEYFIELD in the match of the round, with the Kangaroos reversing the tables on the Bombers.

Suffering their last defeat at the hands of Boisdale in round six, the two sides burst out of the blocks in a taste of finals football in the first quarter.

The match was evenly placed at the first change both sides desperation at the ball evident with the Bombers taking a mere one point lead into the break, incredibly the sides kicked 99 points between them in the opening term.

Heyfield set the tone in the second term holding the home side at bay as they kicked 7.1 (43) to 1.1 (7) to take a commanding lead into half time.

The Bombers worked hard in the second half outscoring the visitors by 11 points, but were unable to reel in the Kangaroos half time margin back.

Heyfield recording a four goal victory 20.9 (12) to 16.9 (105), Sean Humphries booting four in his sides victory with David Kelly and Jake Shingles among the goals with two a piece.

Luke Conway continued his dominating form, defender Trent Anderson led from the front with Mark Bedggood another solid performer.

Bombers Justin Saunders and Andrew Gieschen booted four a piece, the Gieschen brothers Andrew and Winston among the side’s best.

Cowwarr fell short of the line in causing one of the biggest upsets of the season, the Saints falling short by one point against the fourth placed WOODSIDE Wildcats.

In one of their best performances this season, the Saints fell agonisingly close to claiming the scalp of Woodside who couldn’t shake a persistent Cowwarr line-up.

Very little separated the two sides throughout the match, the Saints matching the Wildcats goal for goal with the home side going into the final change one point down.

The eventual match winning margin 12.11 (83) to 13.4 (82).

With coach Travis Ronaldson on the side lines, Brett Pace was a standout likewise Damien Kerr and Mark Collison who provided plenty of pace.

Justin Staley provided the vocal point up forward booting five, with Saints Leo Galea and Chris Stasinowsky among the goals.

Cowwarr Captain Luke Cooper led from the front with Kevin Hood and Pat Tainsh among the votes.

One kick separated CHURCHILL and Rosedale in their clash at half time, before the Cougars hit their straps to run home comfortable 31 point winners.

The Blues kicked themselves back into the match in the second term, but fell away in the fourth after coming within 11 points at the final change.

Forward Nathan McDonald was among the goals booting five with Steve Patterson finishing the match with four.

Brandon Mahoney, Travis Brighton and Leigh McDonald were among the side’s best.

Dean Morrison worked tirelessly for the Blues, with Craig Mayman and Justin Smith among Rosedale’s better players.

On Sunday old foes Glengarry and GORMANDALE battled it out, the two side’s finals hopes hinging on the games result.

Leaving the door ajar last week, Gormandale started sluggish against the Magpies before having the better of the home side in the second term to draw level at half time 6.7 (43).

The third term was a titanic battle with neither side able to break clear on the scoreboard.

The Tigers small three quarter led serving the side well, the visitors running home to record a 16 point win 13.14 (92) to 11.10 (76).

Veteran Tiger Paul Richards ensured the scoreboard ticked over for his side the forward booting eight in a best on ground performance, while at the other end Aaron Winkler was equally impressive finishing with five.

Magpies Bobby Marshall and Jonathon Bell were among the best, with their side now looking towards next season.

By Lauren Carey