The Warriors pulled of a great escape against Nhill at the weekend, coming from behind at three-quarter-time to claim a 22-point victory.
Stawell kicked five goals to one in the final term to win 13.9.87 to 9.11.65 at Central Park.
The Warriors started the game strongly, holding the Tigers to just one-goal in the first term to take a two-goal lead at quarter-time.
Nhill kicked back in the second, booting four goals to go into half time trailing by just two points.
The Tigers should have taken the game away from Stawell after the main break, kicking three goals from nine scoring shots, but managing to take the a four-point lead into the final term.
Stawell coach Tom Eckel said the first three quarters were tough for his team.
“They (Nhill) defended really well all game and it was hard to get the ball inside 50 to a target,” Eckel said.
“They pushed back behind the ball and really made it hard for us to score so it is a credit to them.”
Stawell’s class and experience shone in the final period, keeping Nhill to just 1.1 and booting five of their own to claim the win.
“We definitely didn't play our best footy in the first three quarters,” Eckel said.
“I think in the last quarter we decided to have a bit of a crack and put our head over the footy which made a difference.
“It was a pretty quick and scrappy game and we lacked a bit of polish at times, so in that final quarter we started to use the ball a bit better.”
Stawell was carried by its two young GWV Rebels stars Jackson Taurau and Naish McRoberts, being named best and second best on ground respectively.
Eckel said Taurau was instrumental in the victory.
“Jack has improved heaps with the Rebels,” Eckel said.
“He probably played his best game for the club against Nhill.
“He was great down back, and probably saved half a dozen goals on his own.”
Eckel said he was impressed with the skills of McRoberts.
“Naish has got a great skill set and speed to go with it,” he said.
“Both boys add a lot to our team when they play with us.”
Brent Tuckey continued his strong form in front of goal, kicking four goals.
Tuckey has kicked 14 goals in his past three games.
“He really stood up for us at the end. It was a matter of just kicking it forward in his direction to make the most of his form,” Eckel said.
David Andrivon and Travis Graham also combined for three goals each.
James Delahunty and Sean Mantell were also among Stawell’s best.
