Natte Bealiba have secured a top two finish with a 25-goal victory over Maldon at CHS Broadbent Oval.
The Swans can still finish on top of the ladder, but will have to rely on Navarre upsetting Avoca next week while defeating Harcourt themselves.
Natte started strongly enough on Saturday, scoring 16 goals to eight in the first quarter to open up a comfortable lead. Emma Ryan scored 14 goals for the Swans, with Polly Douglas adding two, while for Maldon, Mackenzi Shepherd scored six times and Katelyn Cutlack twice.
The Swans continued to build their lead in the second quarter, scoring 17 goals to eight to ensure they would lead 33-16 at the main break. Ryan scored 11 goals and Douglas six for the Swans, while Shepherd and Cutlack scored four apiece for the Dons.
The offensive juggernaut of the Swans was too much for Maldon to contain as the midcourt took over in the third quarter to nullify the Dons’ ball movement. In the end, it would result in a 15-goal to six term, with the Swans leading 48-22 at the final change. Ryan scored all 15 goals for the Swans, while Cutlack scored four goals and Shepherd two for the Dons.
Maldon had their best quarter of the day in the last term as they were able to get 15 goals on the board, while the Swans scored 14, but it was Natte’s day.
Ryan scored 11 goals in the last term to finish with 51 for the day, while Shannae Mills moved into goal attack to score three goals. For Maldon, Cutlack scored 10 goals to finish with 20, while Shepherd scored five times to finish on 17.
The Swans now travel to Harcourt, while Maldon will face Trentham as they look to secure sixth position.