The Tigers kept their undefeated record intact with a 39-point win over North Albury but the Anzac Day encounter was the first time the reigning premiers have conceded 100 points this season.

Albury’s defence has been bolstered by the return of Michael Thompson, who has recovered from a hamstring injury suffered against Wangaratta in round two.

“We were really good at the start of the quarters against North Albury but then we just dropped away in patches and allowed them to kick multiple goals,” Albury co-coach Daniel Maher said.

“We need to tighten that up and some of the starting points are our midfield and forward line – just some of the basics that we can tighten a few screws on.

“That will hold us in good stead to play consistent football, rather than just play a good quarter and let opposition teams back into the game.

“We expect a quick-ball game because Raiders tend to move the footy really well.”

The Raiders come into the match on the back of consecutive victories after defeating arch-rival Wodonga by 20 points on Monday.

Daryn Cresswell will be missing Dean Heta, Adam Flagg, Jack Di Mizio and Ross Tungatalum from his strongest side against the Tigers but Maher is expecting a hard-fought contest. 

“Knowing ‘Crezza’ reasonably well, I reckon this might be a bit of a statement day for these guys,” he said.

“The season probably hasn’t started as well as they’d have liked after a pretty good season last year but we expect them to come out this weekend and really show what the Wodonga Raiders footy club is all about.”