Rovers keep firm grip on top five spot with another big victory

The winless Swans were competitive against the Bulldogs for the first half, trailing by just 42 points at half-time.

“They outplayed us for patches in the first half, they were full of energy and didn’t look like a side that hasn’t won a game," Rovers coach Kane Tolliday said.

The Bulldogs put their foot down after the main break however, booting 11 goals in the third term while keeping Caramut scoreless.

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The Swans only managed one more goal for the game, with Rovers finishing ahead 25.21 (171) to 6.4 (40).

“We had a goal to be defensively strong and have a big impact on the scoreboard,” Tolliday said.

“In the second half we closed their space down around the ball and limited their time with ball in hand.

“It was about work rate, clean use of the footy and sticking to our game plan.”

The Bulldogs had 10 individual goalscorers on Saturday, with big men Darcy Osborne and Jonathan Box contributing with four and three goals respectively.

A strong run of form in the last two months has helped the Bulldogs boost their percentage from 83 to more than 137.

Percentage could be crucial at the end of the season, with Lismore-Derrinallum level on points with SMW Rovers.