The Warriors prevailed by 39 points but not without an opening quarter scare from the Tigers, who kicked the first four majors.

"It was tough going," Thomas said.

"They were first in early on and harder at the footy.

"We knew we had to work on that and we grinded away.

"Towards the end we could tell we were wearing them down and our fitness is something that we pride ourselves on.

"We had a pretty good pre-season and we knew if we kept focusing on us, we'd manage to get them back."

Thomas, who has featured in the Warriors' best in the past two weeks, booted a goal in the fourth quarter with a long kick from the forward flank.

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The wingman said he enjoyed playing under the new senior coach.

"It's been really good," he said.

"We've had a fresh start with Nick Sheehan coming in as coach.

"Obviously Reichy (former coach Josh Reichman) did a great job the years he was here.

"It's always good to get some fresh ideas and a fresh face."

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