GRIFFITH took a big step towards cementing their position in the top five with a 41-point victory over Turvey Park on Saturday.
Turvey Park were unable to match their heroics of last week as Griffith put a severe dent in the Bulldogs’ finals hopes, winning 14.11 (95) to 8.5 (54) at Maher Oval.
A five-goal opening term got Griffith off to a strong start before the Bulldogs got the margin back to 17 points at half-time.
The Swans got back on top in the third quarter and were never troubled on their way to an important victory.
Brent Arho booted six goals for Griffith, while midfielders Ben King and Will Griggs were very influential.
Griffith coach Adrian Pavese loved the way his team rose to the occasion.
“I was really pleased with the resilience of the team,” Pavese said.
“Last week when we had a sniff against Mango in the last quarter, it was like we were already beaten.
“Today, the way the boys kept cracking in, was really good to see.”
Pavese knew the importance of the showdown against the sixth-placed Bulldogs.
“Turvey have been good and we were under no illusions to how tough they were going to be,” he said.
“We anticipated it and they didn’t disappoint.
“We’ve been playing alright but haven’t been able to get over the line. It was pleasing today, the boys clicked together a bit more and we were able to stop their run through the midfield.
“We got rewarded and kicked goals today when we haven’t been able to in previous weeks and it makes so much difference.”
Dane Campbell and Jeremy Sykes were the pick of the Bulldogs, who went in without coach Mitch Sykes and assistant Truman Carroll.
Mitch Sykes may miss the entire season after breaking his hand against Coolamon.
Others to play well for the Swans were Lucas Conlan, Luke Shannon and Jordan Iudica.
The Swans hope to get back Sam Foley and Jacob Conlan for next week’s showdown with Leeton-Whitton.
