Lavington stunned the previously unbeaten Tigers by 12 points at Lavington Oval in one of the games of the season.

The win, which saw the Panthers rocket into top spot, put them in the box seat to claim the minor premiership and earn the first week off in the finals.

Saker said finishing the home and away season on top of the ladder would be a major boost to the Panthers’ premiership chances.

“Essentially what it does is give you the opportunity to win one game and get you into a grand final,” Saker said.

“It’s a pretty basic thing but is a clear advantage.”

A stunning seven-goal to one second quarter from the Panthers set up the win after they trailed the Tigers by 26 points at the first break.

Saker said he felt his troops had risen to the challenge.

“We wanted to embrace the occasion of playing for top spot, because it’s something we haven’t done for quite a long time,” he said.

“It may give guys confidence, if we do end up finishing in top spot.”

In a further boost for Lavington, it brought down a near full-strength Albury without six of its walk-up starters.

Adam Prior, Myles Aalbers, Kade Stevens, Lewis Gardiner, Will Lenehan and AFL draft hopeful Brydan Hodgson didn’t play.

“It is a boost if they do what this current crop of players is doing if and when they come back,” Saker said.