Tigers showed more than just a few glimpses of the football that took them to last year’s premiership with an important win over the Hoppers, 14.15 (99) to 8.7 (55).

Tigers had been a little slow to start the season but were back at their hard-running best on their home deck on Saturday.

Tigers got on top early and gradually chipped away. A four-goal second term saw the home team out by 27 points at the main break.

Coolamon never went away but were unable to move the ball, or hit targets as precisely as Tigers, who had a little too much polish in the end.

It continues a frustrating start to the season for the Hoppers, who remain winless after a tough opening five rounds.

Wagga Tigers captain-coach Shaun Campbell was happy to see the Tigers of old come out to play.

“Yeah, a lot better,” Campbell said.

“Just moving the footy how I like and playing four consistent quarters as opposed to 15 here and 15 there. 

“I put the onus on them, I said to them we’ve just got to start playing good footy. You’re not going to go anywhere if you’re just playing good footy here and there. You’ve got to play consistently.”

Campbell Lovell was electric across half-back for Tigers and again gave them so much of their drive with his blistering speed.

Ben Kelly stood up across half-forward and played his best game in first grade, while Nick Ryan was another to stand out in the win.

Campbell was impressed by Coolamon and believes the strength of the opposition added weight to the win.

“I really rate them, if I’m honest, they have improved out of sight,” Campbell said.

“They’re moving the footy well, Matty’s got them drilled and a couple of their recruits are super.

“Any games are this time of year are vital.”

The win put Tigers into third spot, with two wins and two losses. Campbell is happy with how the new-look team is coming along.

“Yeah definitely, we’ve only lost by a kick and a half to two top sides and I thought we played some pretty ordinary footy so we’re moving in the right direction,” he said.

Rick Pritchett’s senior comeback was unfortunately short-lived as he suffered an arm injury. 

Marshal Macauley was Coolamon’s best, while Matt McGowan, Mitch McKelvie and Ben Fixter tried hard all day.