By half-time the Tigers were nearly 40 points up before going on to finish off the Roos 7.10 (52) to 16.8 (104).

Co-captain Josh Spence led from the front, booting three majors in the opening term on his way to a tally of five goals for the game.

“It was overcast and drizzly and wasn’t going to be a great day to allow guys to play their natural skill game,” Tigers coach Mark Sarau said.

“But we got on the board fairly early and I think that was probably the difference — Josh kicked three in the first quarter and I think that really set the tone for the rest of the game.

“Once that momentum gets going it makes it a lot harder to stop.”

Despite that scoreboard pressure, the Kangaroos didn’t stop fighting. Forward Trent Castles bagged five goals, keeping his side in the hunt.

“When the ball gets in his area you know something is going to happen,” Sarau said.

“But I think James McNamara did a good job on him.”

The Tigers lost Jack Price early in the piece with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, Matt McLinden made a welcome return after a pre-season shoulder injury.

But signs are positive at the Tigers, who are in a strong position despite only nine players remaining from their 2013 premiership side.

“We have five players who are 18 or younger and three new players joined us this year,” Sarau said. “So to be sitting 3-1 is a good position for the club — to win those early games is really positive.”

Next week will be a stern test for the Tigers as Sarau faces his former club in Rutherglen.

“It will be a crucial game for them and I’m sure there will be a bit of an incentive there for them as well,” he said.

Elsewhere, Wahgunyah demolished Wodonga Saints at home 28.25 (193) to 6.6 (42). Nick Brockley had a day out for the Lions, bagging 11 goals, while Kori Stevenson led the Saints’ goal kickers with five.

Cody Milne, Cody Keenes and Tom Woods were named the Lions’ best, while Stevenson and Craig Jarvis were the Saints’ best.