The Griffith Swans moved within one game of the Riverina Football League reserve grade grand final with a 24-point victory over Coolamon at Narrandera on Saturday.
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The match was in the balance at three-quarter time when Coolamon led by two points, but the Swans remained composed in the last term to pull away and record a 12.16 (88) to 9.10 (64) victory.
Todd Howard (5), Casey Moore (2), Tom Valeri (2), Charlie Cunial, Andrew Cappello and Luke Peruzzi were the goal kickers for Griffith.
Swans reserve grade coach Dave Dunbar was proud of his players’ efforts and was confident they would lift when the pressure was on.
“There was a bit of a wind, so we had that in our favour in the last quarter,” he said.
“But we’ve definitely got a very resilient mob.
“I knew if we were close at three-quarter time we’d come home with the win.
“The boys showed a lot of resilience and got the job done, which was pleasing.”
The victory means the Swans will play minor premiers Collingulie-Glenfield Park for a spot in the grand final this Saturday.
After what he saw against Coolamon, Dunbar has every faith his side can overcome the competition favourites.
“Coolamon went pretty hard at us in that third quarter,” he said.
“It’s pretty easy when a team gets a run on like that to drop your head.
“But we didn’t. It gives us confidence to know if Collingullie have a good run we won’t drop our heads.
“The boys will keep on going.”
Also on Saturday, the Griffith Swans under 17s lost their semi-final to Coolamon 9.11 (65) to 4.10 (34).
The Swans led by four points at quarter time but Coolamon quickly gained control of the scoreboard when played restarted and didn’t look back.
Edward Faiva, Jack Favell, Lachlan O’Dwyer and Jacob Conlan were the goal kickers for the Swans.
Griffith must win their semi-final this weekend to remain in the title race.
In a boost for the Swans, NSW representative Nathan Richards expects to return from an ankle injury for the do-or-die clash.