CHILTERN has claimed its best victory of the season and looks set to hit this year’s finals in full flight after a stunning 17-point win over flag favourite Thurgoona at the Bulldogs home ground on Saturday.

In what was a big statement on the eve of the finals series, the Swans withstood an unusually wayward Bulldogs to secure a hard fought 12.12 (84) to 8.19 (67) victory.

The Bulldogs could have put a gap between the two sides in the first quarter but let Chiltern off the hook, kicking just two goals from 12 attempts to take just a one-point lead into the opening change.