The Panthers crashed to the bottom of the ladder after managing only 6.3 (39) to the opposition's 18.14 (122).

While injuries have played a role in the Panthers' demise this season, they simply do not have players to compete at this level, and will need to recruit actively and extensively during the off-season.

Pearcedale trailed by 20 points at half-time and was still in the contest. Any team that has the competition's leading goalkicker in Kerem Baskaya, and live wire Ricky Morris, should be able to test most sides in the competition.

But Hastings kicked five unanswered goals in the third term while Pearcedale could manage only two goals to six in the final quarter.

The Baskaya brothers, Kerem and Kain, kicked two goals each and if you believe the scuttlebutt are planning to move on next season.

Matthugh Vagg continues to get better with every game, while youngster Byron Hoe continues to develop into a player of the future.