The Tigers hammered Wangaratta in their practice match at Corowa on Saturday.

“Possession was evenly contested during the first half, with Albury holding a three-goal break at half-time,” Wangaratta president Col McClounan said.

“But in the last quarter-and-a-half we struggled to trouble the scoreboard, while Albury ran over us.”

The Border Mail ​conducted a survey of the nine coaches last month, with the Tigers rated a three-goal weaker team this season, largely on the back of the departure of giant siblings, Setanta and Aisake O’hAilpin.

Naturally you can’t read too much into a practice game, but with a midfield of former AFL star Daniel Cross, and Albury multiple premiership players Chris Hyde, Joel Mackie and Dean Polo, it’s fair to assume the Tigers will win plenty of the ball in the middle.

Tigers’ recruit Erish Uthayakumar impressed with a handful of goals, showing good speed on the lead.

Wangaratta was missing best and fairest Matt Grossman and star forward Michael Newton, while fellow forward Josh Porter looked dangerous at times.

The Magpies’ other profile recruit in ex-North Melbourne midfielder Ben Speight also showed he’ll be a good player, but he also had a first-hand look at the league’s best on-field brigade.

Meanwhile, Yarrawonga and Lavington produced a competitive clash at Corowa.

“We didn’t really have a scoreboard as such,” Yarrawonga coach Chris Kennedy said.

“I spoke to (Lavington coach) James (Saker) about exposing our whole list to a more senior level, so we wanted it pretty even.”

The Pigeons unveiled the league’s highest-profile recruit in former Carlton player Mark Whiley.

“We played him through the midfield, and across half-back, and he will be a very good Ovens and Murray player,” Kennedy said.

Elsewhere, Myrtleford toppled North Albury, while Wodonga defeated the Roos.