Southern Roos coach Paul Cleaver said Swifts challenged the side during the opening term – but it was all blue and white from then on. 

The Southern Roos led the match by 58 points at half-time and eventually finished 118-point winners. 

Nine goalkickers – including Hugh Douglas with six, James Staude with four and Nic Pekin and Greg Hamilton with three apiece – contributed to the massive score for the Southern Roos. 

“The score probably didn’t reflect how the game went. Stawell was tough in areas and we certainly didn’t have it all our own way,” Cleaver said. “But we also managed the game on our terms.” 

Swifts coach Scott Carey said it was a tough day. 

“We knew we would have to come out and match them and the intensity they bring (to the game),” Carey said.

“In the first quarter, I thought we really did that and we were still in the game.

“Then in the second and third (quarters) they were able to get on top of us and they showed why they are at the top of the table.” 

Blake Swain worked tirelessly in the backline. 

“Blake competed really well and laid countless tackles. He kept the boys up and about,” Carey said.

Eric Guthrie, Nic Pekin and Hamish Ellis were named the Southern Roos’ best while Swain and Carey led the way for Swifts.