New coach Simon Curtis said the Panthers had been working on a new game plan for the past five weeks and would go into the Christmas break in good shape.

The press was introduced at Lavington by long-time coach Tim Sanson with his predecessor James Saker using the strategy on-and-off during his tenure. 

“I’m not 100 per cent sure what they have done in previous years so I can’t really comment on that, but I'm doing what I have found has worked over the years,” Curtis said.

“We’re working on ball movement, offence and transition.

“I think we have moved on from the press.”

While Curtis shapes as one of the recruits of the off-season after a decorated career with Ainslie, Lavington has been relatively quiet on the recruiting front.

Curtis has been one of the stars on the track with the Alex Jesaulenko Medallist setting a cracking pace.

Key forward Andrew Dess has also signed.

Officials are hopeful of luring several former players including Matt Pendergast back to the club in the next few weeks.

Pendergast played in Rennie’s flag this year but is considering a return to the Panthers where he needs nine matches to bring up 300 games in the Ovens and Murray.

“We have a lot to work with already.” Curtis said.