Up 20 points with 17 minutes gone in the final term, the Blues faced a relentless assault from the Tigers over the remaining minutes and, although they would give up three goals, the away side held on for a famous two-point win at Scott Oval.
Tonny looked to have the handle of the champion through most of the game, leading wire-to-wire after kicking the first two goals.
Ahead 34-20 at quarter-time, the Blues had to contend with several Cobram runs, but the lead remained in double digits through the second and third.
The Tigers cut it to eight midway through the final period, but a pair of goals got Tongala back up 20, where it would eventually hold on to earn a valuable four points 14.12 (96) to 15.4 (94).
Sam Cipriani was back in Blue for the first time since his debut with the West Coast WAFL side earlier this year and he immediately made a scoreboard impact, kicking three goals.
Riley Smith also kicked three, while Darcy Laffy led the scoring with four majors.
Tongala is in fourth position on the table with a healthy 4-2 record and a couple of big scalps to its name in fellow top six members Cobram and Nathalia.
The Blues will now hope to roll that momentum into a daunting clash with unbeaten leader Congupna, at Tongala Recreation Reserve on Saturday.
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