Despite an overnight thunderstorm that delayed the start to several matches, the game at Shepley Oval started on time after the Panthers were sent into bat with the sides playing for the Brendam McArdle Shield, currently held by Northcote.

The Panthers found batting difficult and were reeling at 7-87 before Fairbanks (127) and Collins (94) came together for career-best scores and to steer the Panthers to a round-high 318.

The record stand eclipsed the 202 already held by Fairbanks with former skipper Warren Ayres two seasons ago against Fitzroy-Doncaster.

Ayres also had a productive day with a brilliant 143 for the seconds at Bill Lawry Oval. Dandenong skipper Darren Dempsey said the partnership between Fairbanks and Collins had turned the match on its head.

"It was amazing, at lunch I was saying if we get to 130 runs I would be pretty happy," he said.

"What happened was quite bizarre, it sort of came from nowhere."

Earlier, Northcote opening bowler Mark Doyle (4-59) caused real headaches for Dandenong's top order and he was well supported by Tim Hoare (2-52).

Dandenong's batsmen found it tough going in the middle and three of the top five registered ducks.

"The wicket wasn't playing all that friendly. It was a little bit two-paced," Dempsey said.

"I came to the wicket and batted for nine runs from about 10 overs and it certainly wasn't easy batting."

While Fairbanks scored more runs, Dempsey said it was Collins — a young wicketkeeper in his first season with Dandenong — who was the catalyst for the epic partnership.

"Rory is a very stable bat, and he has played only five or six games of first grade cricket.

"He played some shots I didn't think he was capable of playing."

Dempsey said the 19-year-old Collins, who has impressed with his glovework this season, will continue to improve.

"Without doubt he will get better. He is already leading the competition for dismissals as a wicketkeeper.

"The momentum of the game is certainly in our favour. I would back our bowlers to bowl most teams out for less than 300."