Osborne cane Holbrook in top-of-table clash to send ominous warning on eve of finals

The 16.9 (105) to 5.9 (39) spanking confirmed the Tigers' raging flag favourite status and guaranteed the perennial powerhouse the minor premiership.

Billed as a clash of the league heavyweights, the Brookers were clearly out of their weight division and on the ropes from the outset.

The Tigers booted 3.3 while keeping the opposition goalless in the opening quarter.

By half-time the Brookers resembled a punch-drunk boxer.

They were hit by a barrage of seven goals to one during a second-quarter flurry as the Tigers opened up a match-winning 54-point lead at the main break.

Highlighting the Tigers' dominance, the Brookers' only goal of the opening half was kicked by Luke Gestier after the siren.

However, to the Brookers' credit they refused to throw in the towel and kicked the opening three goals of the third-term and were able to trade blows with Osborne for most of the second-half.

Tigers coach Joel Mackie labelled the first-half onslaught as their most damaging hour of the season so far.

"I thought we couldn't have been more impressive in that first-half," Mackie said.

"Our intensity was sky high and we were able to shut them down early.

"That's probably our best half of football for the season when you consider the quality of the opposition.

"We knew at half-time that Holbrook wouldn't be happy with how they played in the first half and to their credit came out and responded, especially early in that third term.

"It just reminded us what they are capable of if we relax when they outscored us for the quarter."

While Osborne boasts plenty of established stars in Connor Galvin, Matt Rava, Jamie Parr, Sam Livingstone and Duncan McMaster it's the form of the youngster's that has Mackie beaming most.

Ed O'Connell, Sam Stenning and Ethan Weidemann led the charge against the Brookers.

Teenage giant Nick Madden and Hugh Schmetzer have also stamped themselves as talented teenagers who could play at a higher standard.

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Adding further merit to the victory the Tigers had Mackie, Kodie O'Malley, Marty Bahr, Connor Willis and Mitch Wickham on the sidelines.

The Brookers' two biggest outs were Brad Carman and Andrew Dear.

Mackie conceded the Tigers' embarrassment of riches would provide plenty of motivation for spots during the finals series.

"I think our younger brigade are driving the senior players," he said.

"As a coach, it's the development of these kids which is the most satisfying.

"We have played 36 players in the seniors.

"So there is plenty of pressure to perform to keep your spot in the side."

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