TO PARAPHRASE Mark Twain, reports of Marong’s death have been greatly exaggerated.
The Panthers, searching for a fourth-straight flag, just fell over the line against Inglewood in round one in a match that had critics lining up to suggest their time at the top was over.
Pyramid Hill, their chief rival, was waiting in round two, seeking revenge after losing last season’s grand final.
However, after a tight first half that saw Marong lead by 10 points, the Panthers took control, kicking seven goals to one in the third quarter to surge to a 47-point margin at the last change.
Pyramid Hill kicked four unanswered goals in 12 minutes in the final quarter to keep alive its faint hopes, but Marong finished off the match with three goals for an impressive 42-point win, 16.13 (109) to 10.7 (67).
Victory saw the home side take the Michael Herrick Memorial Cup, honouring a stalwart of both clubs,.
 Marong ruckman Michael Bradbury named best-on-ground.The Panthers’ speed and clean ball handling was on display in their dominant third quarter, with the Bulldogs second to the ball, and prone to turnovers when they had it.
Ryley Taylor (6) and playing coach Kain Robins (4) combined for 10 goals for Marong, which also had the star of last year’s premiership win, diminutive midfielder Jimmy Gadsden, in good form.
It was a sobering result for Pyramid Hill, which last year inflicted Marong’s only two losses in three seasons.
Missing dynamic new ruckman Kai Daniels, the Bulldogs conceded the hit outs, and subsequently the bulk of the clearances, to the Panthers.
Defender Daniel Frame was Pyramid Hill’s best, along with Ryan Semmel and Brodie Carroll.
Ben Bisset and Mitch Langan both kicked two goals for the Bulldogs.
Marong is away to Calivil after the Easter break, while Pyramid Hill hosts Mitiamo.