LADDER-leader Panmure ramped up its preparations for Saturday's showdown against reigning premier Kolora-Noorat with a 61-point over win over grand finalist Old Collegians that will have lasting implications for the Warriors.
While Panmure continued its unbeaten start to the season with the 15.12 (102) to 6.5 (41) result, Old Collegians fear key defender Aaron Williams may have suffered a serious knee injury.
Bulldogs coach Simon O'Keefe rated the victory his side's best so far, not because of the margin but the way in which his side played against quality opposition.
"The scoreboard wasn't a true indication of how they played, I think they were the best side we've played so far and I thought it was the best we've played," O'Keefe said.
"I think they will definitely play finals. Sarge (coach Michael Sargeant) has them well structured and they play smart footy but I think our pressure around the footy stood out."
O'Keefe said the Bulldogs had focused on their work rate in the lead up to the game with the coach unhappy with his side's inconsistencies.
After a solid first quarter, kicking against the wind and in rain, the Bulldogs kicked 3.1 to 1.3 in the second to open a 25-point buffer at half-time.
O'Keefe said his players put their bodies over the ball in the slippery conditions before running and carrying it more when the conditions improved late in the game.
The Bulldogs will have almost a full list to choose from for the game, with veteran Murray Ellerton (groin) and the suspended James Keane unable to be considered.
It was a different story for Old Collegians, with coach Michael Sargeant fearing the worst for his key defender Williams, who was shifted on to Panmure spearhead Gary Robinson (eight goals), quietening the full-forward's output until he went down with the injury in the third term.
Sargeant said he was unsure of the damage to Williams' knee with tests this week to determine his immediate playing future.
Despite the size of the loss, Sargeant was upbeat.
"I was happy enough," he said.
"It was just five or 10 minutes of every quarter they would kick two or three goals and our intensity dropped off.
"If you play against good sides like that, you will get cut open if your intensity drops off."
The Warriors next face an improved Nirranda.
grbest@standard.fairfax.com.au