The multiple Doug Strang medallist was held goalless to three-quarter time, but then equalled his greatest output in a term from his North Albury days with six, driving the Panthers to the season’s first 100-plus point win.

It was Prior’s first game since last year’s first semi-final, ironically also at Corowa’s John Foord Oval, where he battled a knee complaint.

“It limited my training in the pre-season, but it’s come good at the minute,” he said.

“I’ve been working away, so I haven’t had much training, that’s why I’ve missed the first three games.

“I’m not real fit at the minute, but I got through, so that was good.”

Prior’s 2017 was derailed as he spent much of the year working in South Australia.

“I’m away this week, but I’ll be back after that so I should be hitting my straps hopefully in the second half of the year,” he said.

“I’ll get fit and I’m really enjoying the new coach (Simon Curtis).”

Prior was quizzed whether, at 31 and with around 15 years of senior football behind him, he could return to top form.

“I reckon I can actually, I’ve missed a fair chunk the last couple of years, but everything feels fine at the moment,” he said.

“I had surgery on the knee after the finals and I blew out a bit, but I’ve still got it there to make a contribution.”

If Prior can get back even near his peak form, it adds another dimension to what’s, potentially, the league’s most damaging forward line.

Fellow tall Brant Dickson kicked three against the Roos, so the Panthers now face the enviable task of finding the best mix.

“He (Prior) stayed in the game and it paid off for him late in the game,” captain Luke Garland said.