The Tigers pounced early and were never headed, with grit and determination dictating play.

A modest 11-point lead at the first change suddenly blew out to a 43-point margin by half time. That seven-goal quarter by the GJ Gardner Tigers saw sharpshooter Paul McMahon kick three in six minutes as the Springbank midfield ran amok.

McMahon wasn't done yet. He booted a further six majors for a total of nine for the day and was awarded the Moorabool Medal for best on ground.

North Ballarat-listed player Nick Couch kicked three handy goals on his way back to fitness, with Roosters’ coach Gerard FitzGerald on hand to check out his progress.

It was a slick showing by Springbank and players like Brock Freeman threw himself into the fray. He took it up to Eagles ruckman Luke Gunnell. Lots of drive came from Matt Tyler, Joel Maher and Simon Quinlan. Ben Quinlan, Matt Raworth, Gerard Clifford and Jaymes Gorman flew the flag for the home side.

Springbank coach Terry Simpson believed the team's efforts were consistent across the board and pointed out that winning the Jimmy Toohey Memorial Trophy had special meaning for both clubs.

"It's nice to get one back," he said.