Dusties deliver at awards night

Warragul Industrials have once again made their mark at the Mornington Peninsula Football Netball League awards night, enjoying another outstanding evening at the Mornington Racecourse.
For the second consecutive year, Dusties players and coaches featured prominently among the major awards, capping off an exceptional 2026 season across both the division one seniors and reserves.
The first award of the evening went to division one reserves player Melinda Lewis, who was recognised for finishing as the reserves leading goalkicker. Lewis kicked 29 goals from 16 games.
The Dusties continued to feature prominently in the reserves best and fairest count, with Indy Ao finishing as runner-up, while Michaela Williams also polled strongly to finish fourth after only a handful of games.
One of the most rewarding awards of the evening was the 2026 MPFNL volunteer of the year, which was presented to Bella Brown.
Bella suffered an ACL injury at the beginning of 2025 but has remained a valued and dedicated member of the Dusties throughout her rehabilitation. She has continued to support the team every week, including taking on a coaching role on game days. Her commitment to the team and willingness to contribute despite being unable to play made the award particularly fitting.
The division one team of the year was announced next, with the Dusties again featuring heavily.
Coach Scott Armour was named coach for the third consecutive year, while co-captain Lily Van Berkel was selected at full-back in her first team of the year appearance.
Monai Porykali was named at centre half-back, Elise Molesworth in the forward pocket and Alisha Molesworth on the interchange.
The Dusties' representation was completed by Abbie Hoiberg-Cox, who was selected in the centre and, for the second consecutive year, was named captainr.
The final awards of the evening were the MPFNL division one men's and women's best and fairest awards, with the Dusties again enjoying plenty of success.
Elise Molesworth finished fourth after a very strong season, before Hoiberg-Cox capped off a remarkable individual season by being crowned division one women's best and fairest.
For the second year running, Hoiberg-Cox claimed the prestigious award, polling 27 votes from 15 games and winning by nine votes. The award was fitting recognition for a player who has had a significant impact on virtually every game she has played and has earned enormous respect from opposition clubs and players across the competition.
The awards capped off an outstanding season for the Dusties, with both the seniors and reserves finishing in the top two playing off in their respective grand finals.
While those results did not quite deliver the perfect ending, the performances at the awards night provided further recognition of just how successful the year was.