SWANS defender Craig Boltonsaid playing on Fraser Gehrig was always going to be a test. After Bolton's starring role on the Saints' spearhead, you'dhave to say he passed with flying colours.

"I think you've just gotto take it as a challenge and a test. Obviously if you're a defender, you knowwhen you're playing St Kilda, you're going to get Nick Riewoldt or FraserGehrig. You've got to look at it as a challenge," said Boltonafter the 17-point win at Telstra Stadium 12.10 (82) to 9.11 (65).

Ted Richards started onRiewoldt while Bolton was given the job onGehrig. With Leo Barry ruled out just before the game and Lewis Roberts-Thomsonalso missing, it was the sort of scenario Boltonrelishes.

"Teddy was great on Riewoldtand playing on Fraser, for me, it's a good challenge and he's been playinggreat footy for them. He's a dangerous player, both him and Riewoldt, so myselfand Ted both knew we had big jobs tonight.

"I do like playing onthe good players, although he's pretty big!" added Boltonof his bulkier opponent. "He's obviously a lot stronger than me.Fortunately, those one-on-one contests didn't eventuate much tonight."

Both Boltonand Richards sought out advice on how to play their well-credentialed opponents."I'd never played on Gehrig before and Teddy hadn't started on Riewoldt sowe both knew it was going to be a big game.

"I guess I spoke toTeddy a bit because he wanted to know a bit about Riewoldt and he spoke toLewis (Roberts-Thomson), which is normal, and gave him a bit of insight. Andlikewise I spoke to Lewis and Leo (Barry). I mean they're two quality forwards.But it's the midfield that made our job a lot easier."

Gehrig was restricted to twogoals - both in the first quarter - and was given a spell later in the game.

"Once again, we playedwell across the ground and in the second half our midfield really took it tothem. They' certainly made our job [in the backline] a lot easier. It was areally good win for us."

Bolton added that coach Paul Roos has helped him with hismental approach to playing footy since his arrival at theSwans. "There's no doubt Roosy's helped my game. I've been able torelax a lot more before games. Roosy's cracking jokes before a game and, as hesays, it's only footy.

"I guess it's also experience,"added the 27-year-old defender. "You can't always keep your opponentgoalless or no marks. You just got to realise that."

This last month has seen theSwans lift as a top-eight spot looms. Boltonsays it's a team effort that's seeing the side peak.

"There's a really goodfeeling at the moment in our team. I think most guys are stepping up and justdoing their jobs each week which makes it easier for everyone. Tonight was whatwe needed and it just builds on the confidence. It's no secret that we likethat hard, close sort of footy.

"It's a good test for usto play a hard, contested game of footy [like tonight]. We've got a lot ofrespect for the way [the Saints] play their footy but we just knew we had towin that last quarter.

"And hopefully when weget Leo back, we can stay pretty solid in the backline leading into thefinals."