In the past month the Swans have at times been indifferent with both bat and ball. On Saturday, however, they crushed their opposition to set up the opportunity to gain maximum points from the match.

The Hawks won the toss and elected to bat, though it turned out to be a horror decision as Casey speedster and stand-in skipper Jayde Herrick unleashed a devastating spell of bowling to run riot through the Hawks' top order.

The headbanded one was on song, taking 6-37 in a spell that is sure to put his name in lights again among Victorian selectors.

At the other end it was Ashley Perera, who had earned a promotion from the seconds and provided great support for Herrick, taking 4-26. Perera was able to combine his pace with plenty of sharp bounce to make life difficult for the Hawks' batsmen.

It took just 44 overs for the Swans to dismiss their opposition in a performance that will no doubt have other sides in finals calculations looking over their shoulder.

With plenty of time left in the day the Swans went about chasing down the required total of 112. However, their top order again showed how fragile it can be, losing wickets in quick succession to be in serious trouble at 5-32.

Things turned back in favour of the Swans, however, when Herrick was joined at the crease by the underrated Tom Hussey.

The pair went about repairing the damage. In an entertaining and defiant 129-run stand, Herrick and Hussey carried their side over the line and made individual statements at the same time.

While Herrick (57) was proving his worth not only as captain but as a player on the radar for state selection, Hussey (72) showed that he is far more than a talented wicketkeeper, and that his ability with the bat should not be underestimated.

Late in the day the Swans lost two quick wickets and will resume on day two at 9-180, with the possibility of maximum points well and truly on the cards. Jack Heverin