Matt Hard’s tenure at Coolamon came to an end as the Hoppers gave up a 27-point half-time lead to crash out of this year’s premiership race, 10.16 (76) to 10.5 (65) in the elimination final at Robertson Oval.

After producing a terrible first half of football, Griffith produced a spectacular second half comeback on the back of a midfield resurgence.

It started with a five-goal third term that drew the Swans back within 12 points at the final change.

Faced with an almighty task kicking into a strong breeze, Griffith booted the only three goals of the final term to enjoy a magnificent win.

Not only does the win keep Griffith’s season alive, it gives the Swans a home semi-final next Sunday against Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

Griffith coach Adrian Pavese labelled it one of the best wins he has been involved in.

“Absolutely, to be pretty much 30 points down at half-time and not playing well,” Pavese said.

“Coolamon, gee they came to play. We knew they were going to be tough but gee they came to play. Full credit to them, you don’t expect a Matty Hard team to be any different.”

Pavese put the comeback down to cool heads from a ‘special group.’

“We didn’t lose our cool, we didn’t panic,” he said.

“We got in there at half-time and just said we know the things that aren’t working are fixable. We’ve just got to take one kick, one possession, one mark, one tackle, one goal, and keep trying to back that up.

“When we got within six points I thought we’re on here, but then they kicked out again.

“I thought this is going to take a special group to get this done so I’m really chuffed for them.”

Griffith had a number of chances in the first half but were unable to capitalise. Their only two goals came directly from free kicks, plus a 50 metre penalty, within a five-minute period early in the second term.

The Swans were on the right end of some controversial calls in front of goal, with five of their 10 goals coming from free kicks.

Their midfield was the foundation of the comeback with Ben King, Will Griggs, Heath Northey and Jordan Iudica rising to the challenge.

Sam Foley was also very good, keeping Roy Kantilla to just the one goal.

With a home final against a deflated MCUE awaiting, Pavese is looking forward to what lies ahead.

“That hasn’t been mentioned until today, obviously it’s been in the back of our heads but we had to respect Coolamon first,” he said.

“We were in the same position last year and didn’t get it done (in the first week) so it’s a monkey of our back, getting our first finals win in 10 years.

“That relieves a fair bit of pressure off everyone concerned.”

Coolamon, who were awesome in the first half, were led brilliantly by Joe Redfern, who kicked 5.4. Liam Delahunty was also very good in that early period.

In a nice touch, both teams formed a guard of honour to farewell Hard and the retiring Ryan Chamberlain.