All three were part of Lavington's first premiership in 14 years. The Panthers upset red-hot favourites Wangaratta by 34 points at Wangaratta's Norm Minns Oval.

Played in front of 8200 people, the Panthers stunned the Magpies with a first quarter blitz that netted six unanswered goals.

Despite finishing minor premiers, Lavington had lost all three previous matches against Wangaratta during the season, including the second semi-final.

Lavington, led by a starring best on ground five goal performance from Shaun Mannagh, capped off a memorable 40th year in the Ovens and Murray League.

Johnston, Carman and Mackinlay were one of only seven players who played all 21 matches for the Panthers during the season.

Both Johnston and Mackinlay kicked two goals each up forward during the grand final, while Carman made plenty of clearing runs off half back.

Nineteen-year-old Johnston finished with 53 goals in a superb debut season, while Mackinlay finished with 22 after kicking five on debut against North Albury.

The Panther trio represented the Hume Football League last year and joining the Panthers continues the Lavington tradition of recruiting talent out of the district leagues.

Lavington was coached by Simon Curtis whose father Alan coached Holbrook in 1982 and 83 when the Brookers were in the Tallangatta Football League.

Curtis, who finished third in the league medal, won his second straight Lavington best and fairest from Martin Brennan and Mannagh third.