And as the COVID situation creates headaches for the leagues near the border, Gilfillan is happy he did.

The 21-year-old's third senior game of the year in last week's win over Griffith was his best thus far.

In tough conditions where scoring was difficult, Gilfillan nailed two high quality goals in the comprehensive 43-point win.

Beating the last-placed Swans at Robertson Oval was a box they needed to tick before they travel to Coolamon on Sunday, followed by a test against Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.

"The conditions suited me (against Griffith) and you've got to take it," Gilfillan said.

"We've got a couple of big games coming up. Muz (coach Murray Stephenson) definitely harped on it during the week that this is the start of a big month of footy."

Gilfillan played for the Tigers last year and opted to return closer to home after failing to break into their senior side.

"I was down at Raiders for the start and decided the travel got a bit hard," Gilfillan said.

"I played at the Tigers last year and it's probably good I came back, otherwise I might not be playing."

IN OTHER NEWS

The possible ramifications for this week's Riverina League round are huge, with the top six teams playing each other.

The fifth-placed Tigers (6-5) have their noses in front of Turvey Park (5-6), who host fourth-placed Collingullie-Glenfield Park (7-5).

The round is highlighted by the top two blockbuster between Gamain-Grong Grong-Matong and Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes, with the winner to grab top spot on the ladder.

Stephenson returns to the Tigers' half-back line after missing the Griffith win through concussion.

"They (Coolamon) have been pretty strong all year and our last few weeks have been pretty solid as well, so I don't see why it won't be a good game," Stephenson said.

"I've seen them (Coolamon) play maybe three or four times this year. They've got quality all over the park we have to be wary of.

"Their forward line is pretty dangerous with a good mix of talls and smalls and the midfield is pretty strong, there's not too many weak spots really."

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