WAGGA Tigers will go into their bye satisfied with a perfect 10 after a hard-fought 43-point win over Collingullie-Glenfield Park on Saturday.
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The Demons really pushed the ladder leaders for three quarters before the floodgates eventually broke and Tigers ran out winners, 14.15 (99) to 8.8 (56) at Crossroads Oval.
The victory sends Tigers to their second bye with 10 wins from as many games.
Wagga Tigers captain-coach Shaun Campbell could not be prouder of his group’s efforts over the first half of the season.
“It’s massive, it’s a huge achievement,” Campbell said.
“It goes to show how we have been playing our footy.
“I put it on them and the boys keep delivering.”
The 43-point margin might be one of Tigers smaller wins for the year but it keeps them two games clear on top of the ladder, and set for the minor premiership.
Not even a dynamic performance from Collingullie-Glenfield Park young gun Harry Perryman could lift the reigning premiers over the line.
Perryman was outstanding across half-forward and through the middle as he tried his hardest to help his team over the line.
In the end, Tigers had too many answers.
Dale Walker was dominant at centre-half-back in a strong best-on-ground performance.
He was helped by fellow defenders Campbell Lovell, Nick McCormack and Lahn Shepherd to set up the Tigers win.
“Dale Walker was best on by a country mile. We defended really well and our back six all cracked in really well,” Campbell said.
“They move the footy so well. Our attack starts really deep, they switch the ball and get things moving for us.”
Campbell said there was still plenty to work on over the break.
“We butchered the footy a lot,” he said.
“Our skills were pretty ordinary at times.
“It was a hard-fought game, which is what I wanted.
“The best part is how I keep putting it on them and they keep delivering. We’re never done.”
Apart from the defensive group, Jim Carroll and Jake Gaynor were two others to perform strongly for Tigers.
The goals where shared around with young gun Brendan Myers booting three, with two to Campbell Lovell, John Buchanan and Brady Morton.
Perryman was a clear best for the Demons, while Matt Beckmans booted three goals and played a good game.
The Demons are two games outside the five and face a crunch game against the Lions next week.