Setanta O’hAilpin was a late inclusion for Daniel Cross as the Tigers held on for a 11.10 (76) to 9.10 (64) victory over the Saints in wintry conditions at McNamara Reserve.

Christian Burgess kicked five goals in a best-on-ground performance for Myrtleford and was one of a number of young Saints to stand up under the Tigers’ fierce pressure.

Just as Albury co-coach Shaun Daly predicted, the match was a far cry from the 215-point demolition the Tigers inflicted on the Saints in round four.

Chasing its 13^th straight win, Albury came out breathing fire and tried to physically intimidate the Saints in a bruising opening quarter.

The home side trailed by 17 points at the first change but hit back in the second quarter with Burgess, co-coach Brad Murray and the returning Hugh Wales getting the Saints within three points at the long break.

Brayden O’Hara dominated in his 50^th match for the Tigers and was an important player in helping them establish a three-goal buffer at the final change.

The lead proved more than handy as Myrtleford refused to go away, winning the last quarter but ultimately coming up 12 points short against the competition benchmark.

Burgess, Brady Sharp and Elijah Wales were among the Saints’ young brigade to shine on a gloomy day and will be key players as they look to replicate that effort against Lavington and Yarrawonga in coming weeks.

For Albury, Luke Packer was reliable as ever with Dean Polo, Michael Thompson and James Grills also impressing.

O’hAilpin and Josh Mellington kicked three goals each on a day not suited to forwards.

Mellington has now kicked 84 goals for the season but will likely have to wait at least two weeks before bringing up his century.

Cross dropped out of the Tigers’ line-up to prepare for his role as match-day runner at Melbourne.