The regular roll call of the premiers' stars blitzed the Saints, who kicked only one goal after the four-minute mark of the second term in the 19.10 (124) to 6.11 (47) demolition.

"They're an elite unit, they've shown that for multiple years now," sidelined Myrtleford coach Jake Sharp said.

"It was a massive learning curve for our boys, one that's probably welcomed really.

"You're never ever going to get better if you don't lose and improve.

"You learn from your mistakes, it's the oldest saying, but it's the truest in footy."

The home team was chasing the greatest start in its 69-year history after racing to the top of the ladder with six straight wins.

And early on, it was a cracking contest as the Saints grabbed a two-goal break.

However, two poor pieces of marking gift-wrapped the Tigers goals as they carried a two-point lead to quarter-time.

But the Saints were struggling with the pace of Elliott Powell and the elite finishing of Brayden O'Hara.

When Myrtleford big man Ryley Sharp snapped a lovely goal early in the second term, the margin was back to three points.

But the Saints didn't land another until the 21-minute mark of the final quarter after a free kick.

The Tigers shock 71-point loss to Lavington last month is now a memory and they're a massive chance to snare an eighth flag in 11 seasons, although Wangaratta is still a slight favourite.

One moment late in the first half summed up Albury's hunger.

Workaholic Shaun Daly battled for possession deep in defence and the Tigers were away with Elliott's zip on a wing and Jake Gaynor's superb finish capping the goal of the match.

Daly shut down Ryley Sharp, co-coach Luke Daly was superb down back, cutting off attacking forays with courageous marks, while another veteran defender in Luke Packer (27 touches) did likewise, also adding his first goal for the year.

Powell (17 disposals) is the league's hottest player because something positive happens every time, while the versatile Dean Polo (25) controlled play.

Riley Bice and O'Hara kicked three majors, the Tigers with 12 goalkickers.

Ryan Crisp restricted Lachie Taylor-Nugent, while Nathan Laracy was the only other notable Saint.