Gallery | Shepparton Swans show premiership credentials thanks to gritty Rochester win

With their poor history in tight matches, losing by less than a goal five times last season, the Swans’ lead of nine points at the final change of ends was as stable as a bowl of jelly.

And when Rochester’s Hugh Hamilton booted the first goal of the quarter, the margin was cut to two points as the Tigers leapt at the Swans’ jugular.

However, with experience on their side and talent at their disposal, Shepparton Swans coach Jedd Wright and his men defied their opponents to secure a crucial 6.16 (52) to 6.7 (43) victory.

The two teams went into the round five fixture undefeated, meaning the result of this clash was likely to make a significant impact on final placings on the ladder come the end of the home and away season.

Shepparton Swans’ inaccuracy in front of goal would have left supporters with a sense of frustration at half-time having kicked 3.9 to Rochester’s 1.3.

Wright said he backed his players to get the job done, despite the headaches in front of the big sticks.

“We probably squandered a few opportunities early which put them under a bit more pressure, but in the end, just happy to get the win,” Wright said.

“You always think (maybe you have missed your shot) when you miss opportunities and it goes down the other end and they kick a goal.

“I thought we were winning enough of the ball that it would click and we would kick straight and get the job done.”

Shepparton Swans’ Tyreece Collison celebrated his 100th senior football match with the opening goal of the game.

Wright couldn’t speak more highly of the milestone Swan as a player and person.

“(Collison) is one of those blokes that you look to; super loyal, works his butt off at training and gets the reward on game day,” he said.

“It is probably why he is in our leadership group and the boys really made a point of getting over the line to celebrate his 100th.”

One Tiger that threatened to tear the game away from the hosts was Rochester’s Mitch Trewhella.

The star midfielder was electric for his side in the second half, and the decision not to tag him nearly came back to bite Wright and the Swans.

“We didn’t (tag Trehwella), we backed our mids in,” he said.

“Halfway through the last quarter I was probably thinking we should have, he is an exceptional player.

“He started off pretty quiet and then by the end of the game he was a pretty dominant on-baller.”

Rochester came out roaring in the third term, booting four goals to cut back Shepparton Swans’ lead.

Wright said the fact the Swans were able to hold up against quality opposition in a tight game was a clear sign of their growth as a side.

“We have certainly improved, but it is much better to be on the better side of (a close game),” he said.

“You talk about and look at last year and you look for differences to show improvement and I thought last year we were in positions to win games.

"Whereas this year, the confidence is there that if we stick to what works for us for a long amount of time we will get the win whether it is a by a point or 30.”

Next weekend, Rochester travels to take on Benalla while Shepparton Swans will journey to Euroa to take on the Magpies in round six.