STAWELL recorded its second win of the season after fighting off a desperate Nhill outfit at Davis Park, Nhill, on Saturday.
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In windy conditions, the undermanned Warriors dominated the first-half, going into the major break with a 39-point lead.
The visitors' lead could have and probably should have been greater, as their quick ball movement and open forward line created a number of golden opportunities.
The Tigers turned things around after half-time, winning the ball out of the middle to reduce the margin to 25 points at the final change.
With three goals to start the final term, the host got within six points before the Warriors finished strongly to earn a deserved 11.11 (77) to 8.10 (58) victory.
Warriors coach Brad Cassidy said it was a pleasing reward for effort.
"I thought it was a really good test of character and leadership, and a good step in the right direction," he said.
"There were some really good signs in that first half we played with a lot of energy and moved the ball well.
"To Nhill's credit, they came out after half-time and played with more intensity.
"They really challenged us and it was really pleasing to see our players respond."
Warriors captain Tom Eckel was superb, Shane Field's leadership around the ground was pivotal and Andrew Cameron also impressed.
Brenton Potter kicked four goals for the visitors, while Field and Cameron both chipped in with two.
A groin injury to Liam Nuske in the warm-up limited the Warriors' rotations.
Cassidy said junior product Mitch Collins showed promise on debut.
Nhill coach Shane Grover said it was a tale of two halves.
"The first quarter probably killed us, but after half-time the boys really responded, which was really good to see," he said.
"For half the game we looked really good but we just have to pick up our starts.
"We thought we were going to run over the top of them at the end."
Tigers captain Simon Brearley was a standout for the host, directing traffic off half-back, while Tim Seymour and Dan McEldrew proved focal points up forward. McEldrew finished with four goals.