While scars still exist from last year’s dramatic one-point preliminary final loss, Saker said the players had moved on and were focused on notching their second win of the season.

“We actually haven’t spoken about that,” Saker said.

“It’s a new year.

“We have a few things we want to work on that you learn from games like the preliminary final but that’s about it.

“Yarrawonga is a good side and we will need to play well on Saturday night.”

While Lavington and Yarrawonga started the season with opening round wins, Saker and Pigeon counterpart Brendan Fevola both believe there is huge scope for improvement.

The Panthers have Matt Pendergast, Kade Stevens and Myles Aalbers out of their best line-up while last year’s grand finalists are without Craig Ednie, Tim Cooper, Matt Dwyer, Drew Barnes and Steve McKee.

Saker said the Lavington must take its chances, unlike last weekend when it squandered many opportunities in front of goal.

“Our execution has to be a bit better,” Saker said.

“Their top end quality will make us pay a bit more than what Corowa-Rutherglen did with its injury list.

“If (Bryce) Campbell and a few others had played last week we might have been in a bit of strife.

“Our attack on the footy was pretty good and we just have to execute better.”

Fevola praised the Pigeons’ fightback against Wangaratta Rovers, but warned it would take a more even four quarter performance to bring down Lavington.

“We blew a few cobwebs out last week,” he said.

“The way we used the footy in the second half most teams will struggle to contain us.

“I thought the third quarter was the best we have played in a long time.

“Round 1 is always unknown and it’s probably the hardest game you play, so we’ll be looking to build on that.

“We haven’t played under lights up there before, so we’re looking forward to it.”