The Panthers led by only one goal at half-time, but then launched 13 to one to post a 21.16 (142) to 8.8 (56) hiding.

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However, in a sign Lavington is developing the ruthlessness that its nemesis Albury has carried in a decade of domination, coach Simon Curtis rejected suggestions it was the team's best performance, particularly against an emerging top five contender.

"No, I don't think so and the reason I say that is I thought we were pretty patchy," he offered.

"We started well in the first quarter for 20 minutes and then the back five minutes was poor with two easy goals and the second quarter was pretty ordinary.

"In the second half our skill execution wasn't at that level where it's been but, credit to the boys, we were able to find a way to win, even if we weren't playing at our absolute that."

On that performance, it will take a mighty effort to stop the Panthers ending their 14-year premiership drought.

But, again, Lavington was bitterly disappointed with 25 turnovers, another indication of the club's fierce mindset after years of pushing Albury without the ultimate success.

The club had eight players with 24 or more possessions.

Curtis led the way with 45, comprising 22 kicks and 23 handballs.

Tom Hargreave (37), running defender Brad Carman (33), midfield maestro Marty Brennan (30), the rejuvenated Luke Garland (26 and five goals), Grange McMahon (26), Liam Ross (25, three goals) and Aidan Johnson (24, three goals) rounded out the rout.

"I've said from day dot, they're the best team we've played," Rovers' coach Daryn Cresswell said.

"I thought we showed some great signs in the first half, but we learnt valuable lessons and for our younger players seeing how Curtis, Hargreave and Brennan run and their willingness to leave their man and get across and out-number was exceptional.

"The run, their intensity and the work at speed is incredible and that's what we're trying to teach our players."

Nathan Cooper and Cody Schutt tried hard, ruckman Ed Dayman was superb early, while Raven Jolliffe kicked three goals, but the youthful Hawks looked tired and will have a week off training.