Swans triumphant

South Hedland Swans have continued their march towards the finals after claiming a fiery 53-point victory over cross-town rivals the Port Hedland Rovers in last weekend’s North Pilbara Football League derby clash.

The Swans set up the win with a seven-goal-to-one first term and were never headed again as they booted 13.15 (93) to the Rovers’ 5.10 (40).

Swans coach Troy Melville said both teams attacked the game with passion in what was at times a heated clash between the rivals.

“Both sides, regardless of how they are travelling, always seem to get up when they play the other one, ” he said.

“It was a really good game.

“I enjoyed it, it was tough footy. There was a little bit happening in the crowd, there was a little bit happening on the ground, so it was all happening at one point.”

The win continued the Swans’ impressive second half of the season after they posted a home win over top side the Dampier Sharks the previous weekend.

For the third-placed and improving Rovers, who previously claimed a win on the road against the Kats, the loss highlights the challenge they face in bridging the gap to the top two teams should they make the finals.

Earlier the Swans did all the damage in the first term as they built a match-winning lead, kicking 7.2 (42) to the Rovers’ 1.2 (8).

The Rovers fought back in the second term, giving themselves hope as they added three goals, while keeping the Swans goalless.

But in a dour third quarter, it was the Rovers’ turn to find themselves goalless as the Swans added two goals before bursting free again in the final term to extend the lead out to a 53-point victory.

Jack Coppin led the way in front of goal for the Swans as he booted four, while Kurtis Geary and Anthony Kyanga added two each.

Melville praised backs Aaron Pickett and Jeffrey Bann and said Kurtley Mow was influential in the centre most of the day, as he regularly swept back to help out the defenders.

In the reserves, the Swans were also comfortable winners in a 10.8 (68) victory over the Rovers 3.5 (23).