The Swans' strength has been their batting in the second half of the season and they would have been confident of chasing down the Magpies' 317.

They, however, produced one of their worst batting performances of the year.

The chase started ominously after opener Rohan Blandford was out for a duck, and within a few minutes, the Swans lost two more wickets and were in trouble at 3-19.

Experienced pair Michael Hansen (24) and Craig Entwistle (15) got things back on track for a short time. But both were soon dismissed and it was 5-58.

Casey was never able to form any worthwhile partnerships, and despite a cameo from wicketkeeper Tom Hussey with 21, didn't display the form of a finalist team. Camberwell seamer Ben Howell did the damage with 5-37.

Casey was simply outclassed and dropped to fourth on the ladder.

With things tightening for spots in the eight, the Swans can't afford to lose their final round against Hawthorn Monash University, which will be full of confidence after its win against Dandenong.

Ladder

St Kilda 53; Melbourne 49; Ringwood 46; Casey South Melbourne 45; Geelong 44; Frankston Peninsula 44; Prahran 41; Carlton 39; Fiztroy Doncaster 38; Dandenong 35; Melbourne University 30; Richmond 27; Camberwell Magpies 25; Footscray Edgewater 21; Northcote 19; Hawthorn Monash University 18; North Melbourne 16.