The Tigers burst out of the blocks with a hard-fought win against Rennie last week and, with the finals race sure to be hotly contested once again, early wins could be like gold.

Saunders, in his first year as coach, said his team needed to make the most of its opportunities.

“Early wins are very valuable,” he said.

“It’s much easier to have them in the bank, rather than chase them later in the year and wait for results to go your way.

“It can be a massive bonus.”

In an added plus, Saunders said Katamatite was nowhere near its best.

“We got the points last week but it was a very scrappy first half,” he said.

“We weren’t too happy with it, to be honest.

“There’s still so many things to work on, but we got the win and you can never knock that.”

The Tigers host Katandra on Saturday.

Midfielder Adrian Parker is likely to play his first game for the season after recent hamstring troubles.

In other South East games, Rennie travels to Shepparton to take on East, while early favourite Tungamah hosts Katunga.

Dookie United faces Waaia.

In the North West division, Tocumwal will be looking to continue its hot start to life in a new league when it hosts Deniliquin Rovers.

The Bloods, who left the Murray league over the summer, beat Blighty last week.

The Redeyes travel to Berrigan to take on the Saints, while competition heavyweight Jerilderie is at home against Strathmerton in a blockbuster that could decide early premiership favouritism.

Yarroweyah hosts Picola United and Mathoura has the bye.