While there was some evidence of Hopper improvement, the home team was simply outgunned by a side well on target to make amends for last year’s grand final hiccup.

The undefeated Tigers kicked the opening six goals to effectively seal the result before North Albury opened its account through a Lachie Taylor-Nugent major at the five-minute-mark of the second quarter.

Co-coach Clinton Gilson said Albury made his side pay dearly for mistakes.

“They were pretty good,” Gilson said.

“We had a crack but they are obviously a quality side.

“I think turnovers killed us.

“That was the biggest thing.

“We probably gave them nine or 10 goals in turnovers and, at the end of the day, that was the end result.”

Both sides loaded up with talent in the centre square early with Daniel Cross opposed to Richmond VFL player Shaun Mannagh.

The pair racked up 28 and 38 possessions respectively with Cross having the bigger impact through his neat disposal.

Speedster Elliott Powell’s day looked over inside the opening 10 minutes when he limped off with an ankle injury.

But his time on the bench was short-lived with the Tiger livewire returning soon after to kick three goals in the first-half against a sluggish North Albury defence.

Usual suspects Brayden O’Hara, Chris Hyde, Charlie Gaylard and Michael Duncan were in everything while youngster Ben McIntosh, Luke Daly and Kieran Ellis helped hold North Albury to two first-half goals.

Rookies Jake Gaynor and Rhys King also looked comfortable on the big Anzac Day stage.

To the Hoppers’ credit, the 41-point half-time deficit only got marginally worse thanks to Mannagh, ruckman Isaac Muller, forward Josh Lloyd and the vastly-improved George Godde.

Co-coach Chris Schmidt worked his way into the clash after a slow start with some pinpoint passing into attack.

Daniel Leslie came off the ground during the third quarter following a knock and, despite trying to return, was too sore to continue.

Hyde said Albury took plenty of positives out of the match.

“I thought our intensity was really good, particularly early,” Hyde said.

“We were keen to make a strong start.

“It’s a new side and the young blokes are playing big roles week-in week-out.

“We had a few lapses in concentration but overall it was a pretty good effort.”

Albury defender Michael Thompson was a late withdrawal with young ruckman Zac Bye coming into the line-up.

Thompson did the running for the Tigers and looks set to return against Myrtleford next round.

The loss saw North Albury fall to a 2-2 win-loss record after hefty defeats to Albury and Yarrawonga.

They take on Wodonga in round five before a season-defining clash with Lavington at Lavington Sportsground on May 12.