Wagga Tigers impress new coach Murray Stephenson with strong pre-season win against East Wagga-Kooringal

The teams played a practice match over six 'quarters' at Gumly, with Tigers right on top throughout against a Farrer League side coming off a season without football.

Stephenson was adamant it was about substance, not the scoreboard.

"I wasn't too interested in (the score). We've been working on a few things in the pre-season and wanted to see how that looked for us," Stephenson said.

"I was really impressed with our back six. Missing (key defender) Brady Morton, they looked organised and did a really good job for us. Also a couple of our young kids showed a bit."

Isaac Bennett impressed the new coach in defence, stepping up to play tall and fill Morton's role, and Hamish Gilmore provided drive off half-back.

Both played strongly rotating on EWK forward Ben Cadzow, who was the Hawks' key target, after fellow recruit Jarrad Boumann copped a knock at training and didn't play.

Tigers' recruit Jock Cornell also caught the eye.

"He's a good user of the footy and provides a bit of leadership to our midfield group. He's been in a good footy system in Geelong and the AFL," Stephenson said.

"He went off in the third quarter with a bit of a knock to the knee but I'm pretty sure he'll be right for next week (when Tigers play Henty at The Rock on Saturday)."

The coach said Tigers' focus there is on being disciplined in the way they move the ball forward under pressure. But overall, he's been very pleased with their intent in an intra-club game and against EWK.

Will Scott rucked for Tigers with Tom Osmotherly overcoming a shoulder injury.

Brendan Myers threatened up forward all day, where Stephenson also gave the impression he'll be a very valuable addition to the club. Shaun Flanigan and Cornell were good in the middle.

Hawks coach Matt Hard said they were well beaten.

"That was probably to be expected - it was a pretty good outfit (Tigers) against a side that hasn't played for a long time, and was missing players," Hard said.

"I was happy with our tenacity around the footy but we were very rusty and we've got a lot of things to work on.

"We want to get better and improve so what better way to do that than play good opposition. And I've got no doubt that Tigers will be very hard to beat as the year goes on. They're a very good outfit, they're well-led and I think they'll have a very good year."

Youngsters Jeremy Piercy and Ryan Bourne attacked the footy well and new Hawk Alex Rogers played well across half-back.

Along with Boumann, key Hawks Tom Pocock, Trent Garner and Harry Fitzsimmons were also out. EWK's next game won't be much easier, against Coolamon.

"We've all got plenty to work on, from the coaches all the way down. It's just good to be back playing footy and back amongst it."

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