Lavington emerged from mediocre recent form to further damage Myrtleford's top three hopes on Saturday.
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The Panthers rattled on seven goals to one in the final term to complete a 14.11 (95) to 4.10 (34) hiding.
"We had a pretty good start, obviously Myrtleford didn't make the most of their chances early, which helps, and I think we've been closing out games really well, which makes you feel pretty confident if you're around the mark at half-time," Lavington coach Simon Curtis said.
Myrtleford coach Jake Sharp was so disappointed, particularly with the final term, he politely passed up the opportunity to speak.
The first half was largely about accuracy.
When the Panthers went forward, they generally kicked goals. The Saints missed.
"It just gives you a bit more energy, it's sapping when you miss your goals, you've got to go and defend and just puts them under the pump and you could probably feel their frustration," Curtis said.
Former AFL player Kurt Aylett debuted for the Saints as he continues to recover from injury with Essendon in the VFL and was serviceable.
But the story was their inability to kick goals with a number missing early chances as the home team carried a 21-point lead to quarter-time.
Lavington's Adam Flagg was dominating Ryan Crisp, but when Ryley Sharp was held back, he landed the team's first early in the second term.
But just minutes later, the Panthers' Macca Hallows responded with a clever goal, which summed up the respective finishing.
However, the visitors were still in the game at three-quarter time, just four goals down, before Lavington quickly ended the match.
Aidan Johnson took eight marks and finished with four goals to sit atop the ladder with 28, while Flagg claimed five early marks and finished with three majors.
Marty Brennan (24 disposals) and defender Nick Meredith were outstanding, while Nick Holman (29 touches) also impressed.
The energetic Dale provided moments of his class.
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