The Tigers dominated the first quarter but Collegians outplayed them for the remainder of the Warrnambool and District league clash, which finished 10.8 (68) to 15.17 (107) in the Warriors' favour.

"Credit to Old Collegians, they are a benchmark team that we rate really highly," Rowan said.

"To know that we can match it with them gives the boys a bit of confidence to know that we're thereabouts with the top three sides."

The Tigers were hot in the opening quarter and kicked the first four goals of the game.

Kyden Jarvis kicked a long bomb, while Jyron Neave nailed an exciting goal on the run and it looked like an upset was about to take place.

Old Collegians coach Nick Sheehan urged to his men to get their heads over the footy when they were 21 points down at quarter-time.

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Sheehan's pep talk worked as the Warriors kicked five goals to one in the second quarter - including one after the half-time siren - to sneak ahead by eight points.

Ruckman Scott Lenehan, who slotted two majors, was thrown forward and dominated as the Warriors surged ahead in the third and last quarters.

Sheehan praised second ruck Connor Barby who freed-up Lenehan.

"It allows Scott to push forward and stretch their defence, which was lucky today and he popped up and kicked a few goals," he said.

Sheehan, who played in his first win with the club, said the focus for his side was to keep "gelling together".

"There's a few new players in the group," he said.

"As you see, once we link the ball up we actually feel the love between everyone and share it around.

"We'll keep working on that."

Rowan said his Tigers poor discipline and turnovers cost them.

"Our discipline wasn't great today," he said.

"We gave away three or four goals just by stupid 50-metre penalties or downfield free-kicks."

He said his team was also adjusting to the new rules.

"The new rules about how far you can be to the player that's got the ball, we just need to sharpen up on that," he said.

The Merrivale mentor said he wanted his team to work on its decision-making and kicking.

"We turned it over in very dangerous spots," he said.

Rowan said he would be encouraging his side to get to training early to practice kicking before the main session.

In other football matches this weekend, East Warrnambool hosts Russells Creek and Nirranda meets South Rovers.

The Bombers and Kangaroos will both be looking for their first wins.

Nirranda will be looking to make it two in a row, while the Lions are hoping to register their second victory.

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