Lewis kicks nine despite AFL star
A nine goal haul from Daniel Lewis and strong opening half from Lang Lang ultimately provided the difference in the 19-17 (131) to 9-13 (67) result despite the presence of Dane Swan for Nyora.
The former Collingwood AFL star and Brownlow medallist began the match in a newfound role in defence this season, before warming into the contest and playing a role forward to lead a competitive second half from the Saints.
Currently embarking on a playing tour that has already taken in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania, it was the second time Swan has pulled on a Saints jumper this year, having lined up for St Kilda City earlier this season.
With Swan quiet early it was Lang Lang who scored the opening two goals, the first through Aaron Rose with a creative kick from mid air before Lewis became beneficiary of a clean pick up from Liam Heatherington.
Nyora captain coach Dylan Heylen ran into the open goal to close the gap for the Saints, before a high leap and mark from Lewis began a run of nine consecutive goals to see the Tigers into half time in control, 11-8 to 1-7.
An injury to Brodie Anderson in the second quarter proved key to the outcome as one of the better players holding the Tigers' attacks alongside Angus McGillivray and Jack Rosenow.
Anderson would later return with his right popped shoulder strapped to help the competitive second half effort.
Jack Jenkins provided a second term highlight with an incredible goal. Under pressure and forced backwards towards the boundary, he required just one step to put through the check side kick.
Swan drifted forward late in the term and his shot from across his body just missed in a sign of things to come in the second half.
The former AFL star began to create drive for the home side, with a missed handball from several one-two attempts bringing the Saints unstuck on some occasions.
The Tigers increased the lead following the long break through Josh Collie, before Lewis converted again following a big fly over the pack.
It was Ben Lineham who would break the run of play as the Saints began to match it with their opposition.
Swan read the flight of the ball better as Nyora made it consecutive goals for the first time.
While Tyler Guan was found alone in the goal square for the Tigers, Marvin Sellers responded at the other end for the Saints.
Collie received over the top from Lewis but again the Saints responded through a long goal from Swan.
Lewis marked on the lead to increase the margin on the three-quarter-time siren, but it didn't curb the enthusiasm for the Saints who continued to take it up to their opponents.
Jackson and Bradley Ventura, Daniel Vela and captain Josh Brown were helping the Tigers control the contest, but their efforts were being matched by the likes of Max Mattock and Jordan Anderson.
Joseph Dalgleish and Travis Stewart had also been engaged in an even battle in the ruck.
Swan marked a bullet pass in front of his eyes to convert from 40 metres before adding an opportunistic goal for his fourth, as the Saints closed out a competitive second half at eight goals apiece.
It was Stewart who would fly next, using Swan as a step ladder in the goal square, as the Saints closed the match out with a mark and goal on the final siren.