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THOMSON has catapulted into the top five for the first time since Round 4 following its 48-point victory over Anakie.
Thomson coach Damian Clark was rapt with his side's performance in what was a make-or-break match in trying conditions.
"I'm delighted with the application they brought today," he said. "A real intent to scrap, to play good one-on-one footy."
After a slow start this year, Thomson has found its best form at the business end of the season, having won four of its past five.
Clark puts the turnaround down to the group becoming accustomed to an altered game plan.
"We've worked really hard at a certain style and plan that, in all fairness, has taken the players a little while to adapt to," he said.
"When we play to the style and plan, we play well. When we don't, we're very vulnerable."
The Tigers' three-pronged forward set-up of Luke Forbes, Jackson MacLeod and Corey Normington proved too dangerous for Anakie's defence. Forbes was the standout, kicking six goals for the day, including four in the crucial third quarter. Jarrod Wight, Xavier Katos and Ricky Kiss were all prominent in the win.
"We believe we've got a really potent front six," Clark said. "The midfield is becoming a bit more structured and a bit more disciplined.
The Tigers now take on the second-placed Panthers - a side that thrashed them earlier in the year.
Against Anakie, Thomson took advantage of a strong breeze, kicking five goals to two in the opening quarter.
Normington led the way with three majors, while Simon Gatt was a lone hand for the Roos, kicking two.
Thomson maintained the momentum in the second term, kicking the opening two goals into the wind before the Roos responded with four of the next five. Still, they could only cut the margin back to 16 points at half-time.
As rain continued, Luke Wilson kicked the first of the second half to spark Anakie and cut the lead to 10 points. But the joy was short-lived. Thomson dominated the remainder of the term, kicking seven unanswered goals. Forbes was unstoppable up front, kicking four for the quarter as his side headed into the final term with a convincing 53-point lead.
The Roos needed early goals in that term if they were to have any chance of a comeback. But once again, Forbes was a thorn in their side. His sixth goal put Thomson 59 points up.
Anakie won the final term 4.3-3.4 but it was all too late.
