It was a different story in the second half as the Bulls’ new recruits from Darwin sprung into action.

Steve Rioli was breathtaking out of the middle and Dwayne Berto, who was unsighted in the first half, bobbed up with three consecutive goals after some excellent marking in the forward line.

The Bulls had the run of the play and things were going their way until a touch of class from Royals’ Jamie Bolton saw him register his third major.

Ben Saunders had an influence for Mt Barker, kicking two goals for the term.

A six-goal-to-three quarter from the Bulls saw them with all of the momentum and in a bizarre scene, Royals’ players went to the break with their heads down despite leading by 72 points.

Royals coach Darrell Panizza urged his troops on at the last change.

“You must get hard on yourself and eliminate this question mark that we have been soft for the last two years,” he said.

The last term was a relatively even affair, with Sam Lehman getting better as the day wore on and both Saunders and Berto registering their fourth goal.

Jamie Bolton and James McRae each registered their fifth in the final stages of the game as Royals won 24.16 (160) to Mt Barker 14.9 (93).

Best players along with Bolton, McRae and Humphries, were Danny Delchano and Aaron Triplett. Lehman, Nathan Skinner, Dylan Judd and Peter Taylor were the Bulls’ best.

Both coaches were pleased with certain aspects of their teams performance.

“That was a better effort after half time,” Bulls’ coach Merv Neagle said. “They may have taken their foot off after the break but for us these things will take time.”

Panizza said while the Bulls could take a fair bit out of the game, his side couldn’t maintain the sort of intensity displayed in the first half.

“That was always going to happen,” he said.

“We experimented a bit and were happy to throw a few blokes around to give our lesser lights a chance.

“I think at the end of the day we are happy and Mt Barker showed they have a bit to offer.”

Royals and Railways clash at Centennial Oval this Sunday in a battle of the undefeated sides.

Railways will be fresh after a two-week break and will be keen to avenge their defeat at the hands of Royals in last year’s preliminary final.

The Tigers’ coaching staff there to witness the might of Royals first hand at Mt Barker and in a move that upset Royals coach Darrell Panizza, tuned in to his three-quarter-time address.

Railways’ coach Rod Gillies, assistant coach Noel Hulm and club stalwart Rick Swarbrick were keen listeners in a bid to get the upper hand on their opponents.

Denmark will host Mt Barker with both teams searching for their first win. The winner will jump into the top four and sit equal third with North Albany who have the Round 4 bye.

- Daniel Wiseman.