Despite missing a number of regular first graders for the Where there’s a Will round at Pirtek Park on Sunday, the defending premiers put the fourth-placed Singleton Greyhounds to the sword 44-26 in a blinding 40-minute spell.

It also allowed the Tigers to consolidate top spot on the ladder – and secure a home major semi-final when the play-offs begin this weekend.

With the match hanging in the balance at the break, at 18-14, Singleton was well and truly in the fixture.

But, Aberdeen piled on the points to lead 44-18 before the Greyhounds rallied with a couple of late tries.

The opening period had everything – attacking footy, plenty of passion and a few controversial moments.

Singleton young gun James Bradley split the rival defence to touch down near the uprights. Will Neiuwenhuise added the extras for a 6-0 advantage.

However, Tyler Wolfgang levelled it up for Aberdeen soon after, with Ben Baker converting.

A Neiuwenhuise penalty pushed the Greyhounds ahead 8-6.

Tries to Travis Bateman and Josh Schmiedel, plus two Baker goals, gave the Tigers the ascendency at 18-8.

Singleton refused to surrender and second-rower Ethan Edwards bashed his way over the line. Neiuwenhuise piloted the ball between the uprights and the hosts trailed 18-14 as the teams entered the sheds. 

But, it was a different story when they returned to the field.

Within the blink of an eye, Aberdeen flexed its muscle with Daniel Hoogerwerf, Bateman, Hamish Wolfgang, Baker and Dylan Porter adding their names to the tryscorer’s list to place the game out of reach.

Earlier in the day, the Greyhounds honoured two surviving members of the club’s 1948 premiership-winning squad, Neil McNamara and Noel Hedges.

Ironically, in that year, Singleton beat Aberdeen for the title.

Will history repeat itself seven decades later or will the Tigers go back-to-back?

We’ll know the answer to that question in a few weeks’ time.