Forced to wait 14 days for a shot at redemption after a 72-point loss to Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes, the Tigers trailed by three points at the final change before powering away with a five-goals-to-one last quarter to prevail 13.8 (86) to 9.10 (64).

Nick Gorman and Harry Kelly made their senior debuts for the club as the Tigers moved to 2-1 before they take on Coolamon next week.

"It was a hard contest all day and that's what you expect when you go to Griffith. It's known for being a tough road trip, but despite battling all day we managed to crack them in the last quarter and come away with a win," Tigers coach Murray Stephenson said.

"Our ball movement in general was better. Griffith is a reasonable-sized ground and we used that. When the game was on the line the boys found another gear, and a few things flowed from there."

The Tigers were boosted by the return of ruckman Tom Osmotherly after he missed the opening rounds recovering from shoulder surgery, and he made an immediate impact on the defending premiers.

"He kicked a nice goal and was a good contributor for us," Stephenson said.

"Just having that bigger body around the stoppages helps, he's a pretty imposing figure and I think the boys are really pumped he's back in the side.

"We probably got first use more than we have in recent weeks. It allowed them to be more proactive, get on the move and look to be more offensive, rather than being reactive to what the opposition is doing."

Stephenson said utility Nathan Cooke was a standout for his side, while defenders Lewis Waters and Brady Morton again played important roles.

"We started better today and that was our goal this week. Our first quarters have been slow the first two games and we ticked that off," he said.

"We haven't got that four quarter performance just yet, there are small lapses we've got to get better at.

"We got our injuries early in the season and we're starting to get guys back. I think we get Lahn (Shepherd, cheekbone) back next week."

Stephenson is premiership player at the Rovers and rates his former club a legitimate flag hope before next Saturday's match-up at Robertson Oval.

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"They're a quality side and have good players on every line. We're looking forward to it and I think they're going to be a real challenger this year," he said.

Griffith coach Greg Dreyer was happy with his team's application.

"We allowed them to kick the last two goals in the third quarter, and that gave them the roll-on. The effort is still good, but it was frustrating," he said.

"It was the inconsistency that will come with a young side. It is just about being patient.

"There were probably four or five goals that came off our skill errors, and that just kills us. You work so hard with the footy and to turn it over like that.

"It's an unforced error, and they are able to capitalise on our bad play rather than it being their good defence."

The last three games of round four will be played on Sunday, headlined by Coolamon's clash with MCUE at Kindra Park.

WAGGA TIGERS 4.1 7.2 8.6 13.8 (86) def GRIFFITH 2.1 6.4 8.9 9.10 (64) at Griffith Ex-Services Club

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