Dusties dominate grand final rematch

Warragul Industrials' senior women have stormed home late to record a dominant 42-point win over Mornington in their grand final rematch.

Playing away from home the Dusties booted five unanswered goals in the last quarter to run out 8.8 (56) to 2.2 (14) winners.
Having headed to Mornington, the visitors knew they were in for a fight as the Bulldogs are a tough team on home ground and were on the rebound following a close loss to Karingal the week prior.
The match began with Mornington owning momentum for the first ten minutes of the game, keeping the Dusties from getting the ball past the half forward line.
However, the visitors steadied and gradually wrestled momentum back to take control of the game through the midfield and as a result had repeat forward entries which resulted in two goals by the quarter time break.The Dusties momentum continued into the second term but hitting the scoreboard was proving to be difficult. Shanelle Kingtson and Monai Porykali were dominant down back and Molly Van Berkel was once again doing a great job at shutting down Bulldog Tenae Brown, league leading goalkicker and former VFLW player.
At three quarter time there was only eight points separating the teams but there was a belief in the Dusties squad that they would have the ability to overrun the reigning premiers.
This certainly proved to be the case as Warragul Industrials' starting midfield of Elise Molesworth, Alisha Molesworth and Abbie Hoiberg-Cox, who were outrunning their opponents to get the ball continually going inside 50 and generate multiple scoring shots.
The Dusties also changed the forward set up by isolating Lilly Leighton, which helped them fire off several quick goals.
By the time the final siren sounded the margin stood at 42 points in a great team effort with all players having an impact on the game.
Reserves
Warragul Industrials reserves produced a powerful second half display to overpower the previously undefeated Mornington Bulldogs in a compelling contest on Saturday.
Despite trailing at half time the Dusties finished the game far stronger than how they started it, kicking six goals to one in the second half to prevail 8.14 (62) to 5.3 (33).
The Bulldogs began strongly and were able to establish an early advantage, taking control on the scoreboard during the opening half. Despite Mornington holding that margin at the main break, there were signs that the game was far from over.
The Dusties were winning enough of the football around the ground to suggest the contest could open up after half time.
That prediction proved accurate as Warragul Industrials delivered a dominant third quarter performance that turned the match on its head.
The Dusties midfield brigade, led superbly by Michaela Williams, Indy Ao, Lily Baldwin, Stella Kittelty and Emily Gibson, took control of the contest. Their ability to win clearances and drive the ball forward repeatedly placed enormous pressure on the Bulldogs' defence and provided the Dusties forwards with a steady stream of opportunities.
Up forward, Carlee Maher, Jaz Middleton, Melinda Lewis and Zoe Allen made the most of the midfield's hard work, finding space inside 50 and converting their chances to put Warragul Industrials firmly in the driver's seat.
The Dusties' attacking surge was built on strong ball movement from defence, with Jess Kemp and Natarsha Sanders particularly influential across half back. Their composure and decision-making helped launch numerous scoring chains and ensured Mornington found it difficult to regain momentum.
After weathering the Bulldogs' early challenge, Warragul Industrials' relentless pressure, superior midfield dominance and efficient forward play proved too much for the ladder leaders.
The impressive second half performance not only secured an important victory but also handed Mornington its first defeat of the season.
Best players for Warragul Industrials were Williams, Ao, Baldwin, Kittelty, Gibson, Maher, Middleton, Lewis, Allen, Kemp and Sanders.