In heavy conditions the Dahlsens Swans comfortably accounted for fellow top six contender Lake Wendouree at Wendouree Reserve on Saturday, the 14.13 (97) to 6.7 (43) victory giving Ballarat back-to-back wins for the first time

in five weeks.

The Swans showed their intentions from the start, Ballarat kicking six goals to one in the first term as Adam Sewell and Mark Cunningham gave the Swans a flying start in the midfield and half forward Sam Harkin also proving

a handful with a couple of early goals.

Ballarat continued its dominance early in the second term with Aaron Nunn steady down back in his return game and brother Mark a powerful presence at full forward as the Swans maintained a five-goal lead at half-time.

The Swans then effectively put the match beyond doubt with a three goal to one third term.

Ballarat assistant coach Shaun O' Laughlin said the Swans could still go up another gear.

``We are playing good footy in patches but improvement is still needed,'' he explained.

Lake Wendouree's hopes were dealt a blow before the ball was bounced when coach Matt Battistello was ruled out after not completely recovering from a knock sustained last Saturday.

Heath Pyke was good in the middle for the Lakers but there is no doubt the home team missed the poise of Battistello.

Brenton Walker proved a vital target up forward for the Lakers but he didn't have much support throughout the match.

However the Ballarat win was soured by the suspected broken collarbone to midfielder and small forward Ben Walsh while the successful return of Chris Thornton from a broken wrist lifted Ballarat's spirits.