The Pies had three injuries, yet were able to kick four final-term goals in claiming a 12.7 (79) to 8.8 (56) win.

“To finish off the last quarter like that, was a pretty good effort,” proud coach Dean Stone said.

“Matt Hedin injured his knee in the third quarter, but it doesn’t look serious, while Daniel Boyle and Ben Douthie both had corks.”

Lavington had a stack of possession in the second term as it took an eight-point lead to half-time.

“It could have been a lot worse, we just needed to stem the flow,” Stone said.

“After half-time everything I said to the players they just went out and implemented it.”

Wangaratta sealed the win at home when it booted the first four goals.

The Pies picked up former North Melbourne on-baller Ben Speight, who played well in racking up 25-plus possessions.

“Ben Speight is such an accumulator, he racked up that many touches, but so many of them were inside, doing all the hard work,” Stone said.

“He probably won’t be in our best, but he played a crucial role.”

Former Werribee team-mate Josh Porter did feature in the best, along with Michael Bordignon, who was best-on-ground.

Brad Melville and Daniel Sharrock also played well, while inspirational midfielder Matt Kelly was another to shine after battling a back complaint for the past couple of seasons.

The Pies will boast the most exciting forward combination in the league in the high-marking Porter and high-flying Michael Newton and, while the latter had limited opportunities, he was still able to kick three majors.

Lavington was missing around a third of its grand final team from last season, but even with that it was a worrying finish against an understrength outfit.

Among the positives for the Panthers was the form of a number of their recruits.

Nick Holman, who was part of the club’s last premiership in 2005, featured with his clever ball use, while Rutherglen gun Marty Brennan and big man Tim Hanna also featured in the Panthers’ best.

Adam Flagg, who spent last year at Wodonga Raiders, also kicked two goals, while Adam Butler was the only other multiple goal-kicker, also with a double.

The upset win has primed Wangaratta for a flying start as it tackles fierce rival, Wangaratta Rovers, in the second round, before tackling a round one disappointment in Wodonga Raiders.