The grand finalists opened a 59-point break at the 19-minute mark of the final term before the Panthers rattled on five goals to fall in one of the biggest shootouts in years, 23.14 (152) to 19.8 (122).

But the biggest news was a possible season-ending injury to the league's best player in Wangaratta spearhead Michael Newton.

The Doug Strang medallist believes he tore his right pectoral muscle early in the game.

However, the fact the Pies could lose their superstar and still dominate for extended periods will worry every other team.

"What impressed me was our ability to get contributions from most players today (Saturday), it was super," coach Luke Morgan said.

"Having some different avenues to goal, Matty Hedin (five majors) being able to kick some goals, Zac Leitch (four) getting on the board and I thought, Josh Porter probably had his best game."

Lavington also went into the match undefeated, but their fringe players were shown up against class opposition.

"It was probably back to an issue we had last year with not enough contributors," Lavington coach Simon Curtis said.

"I think other than this game, our spreads have been really good, today (Saturday) there were probably 10 players who had under 10 kicks."

The Panthers are missing regular rep players Luke Garland and Brant Dickson, along with Adam Butler.

However, Lavington played well, it's just the Pies' depth is a step above.

And once Newton went down, they needed a forward to stand up and Matt Hedin delivered.

Hedin is one of the league's feel-good stories.

He missed almost two years with a knee injury, returning to senior level in the final month last season.

Workaholic ruckman Zac Leitch also moved forward, nailing two checkside goals in the final term.

Panthers' livewire Shaun Mannagh was the leading scorer, bagging seven goals, including four in the frenetic final term.

Key forward Aidan Johnson kicked four, but the absence of Garland meant he had to push up the ground.

Jamie Anderson and Joe Richards also impressed for the Pies, while Panther Marty Brennan was close to best on ground.