The Panthers sit a win behind fifth-placed Wodonga Raiders and are desperate to avoid becoming the first premiers in 35 years to miss the top five.

"We're all as keen as mustard to give it a red-hot crack," Johnson offered.

"We had a team meeting and spoke about where we're at and what do we want to do for the year."

There's hasn't been many positive aspects out of COVID, but it has delayed the VFL and therefore Lavington is getting the benefit of Johnson remaining with the Panthers, until he can join Werribee.

"There's no point going down there until we can travel freely into Melbourne and then back to regional Victoria," he explained.

"I'll just keep playing for 'Lavi' until we can play in Melbourne."

ALSO IN SPORT:

Lavington hosts Wodonga on Saturday at midday in an historic double header.

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