We've been in winning positions
- Matt Pendergast
LAVINGTON star Matt Pendergast has admitted that the Panthers choked in the finals last year but are better for the experience.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The club enters Saturday’s qualifying final against Wodonga Raiders with a disastrous recent finals record.
The Panthers have played eight finals in the past three seasons, winning only three of them and losing five.
Three of those losses were by four points or less, with two losses by just one point – in the 2014 and 2013 preliminary finals.
Asked if the Panthers were finals chokers, Pendergast was honest.
“Definitely last year,” he said.
“We’ve been in winning positions.
“It’s a high-pressure game and when you don’t make the right decisions you get exposed. Internally, we know we’re a stronger group and we’ve still got that drive to chase that premiership.”
Pendergast knows the only way for the choking tag to disappear is for the club to win its first flag since 2005.
Lavington last made the grand final in 2008, when it lost to Wangaratta Magpies by 32 points.
“You hope you can get a chance to do it differently,” Pendergast said.
“It definitely hurts but it makes the hunger a lot stronger.
“Everyone has stuck around. It’s been a roller-coaster, but we are still hoping for that glory.”
The winner of Saturday’s qualifying final will get a crack at reigning premier Albury next week in a grand final qualifier.
The loser will play the winner of Sunday’s elimination final between North Albury and Yarrawonga.
The Panthers have lost the qualifying final for the past two seasons to Yarrawonga - by 64 points in 2013 and by 29 last year.
Regardless of what happens in this finals series, veteran midfielder Pendergast, who turns 33 on Sunday, will return for another premiership assault next season.
“I’m keen to go again,” the 2001 premiership player said.
“I’m feeling pretty fresh.
“It’s hard to walk away from an era you’ve been a part of building.”
