The Warragul Industrials division one team claimed a vital 18-point win over third-placed Karingal on Saturday, further entrenching themselves inside the top two in the process.
Travelling away to the Mornington Peninsula, the Dusties were too hot to handle past half time, kicking five goals to three to win 7.11 (53) to 5.5 (35).
The result sees them now eight points ahead of Karingal on the ladder and sets up a tantalising battle with ladder leaders Mornington this weekend.
In recognition of Reconciliation Round, Crystal Browne joined captain Lily Van Berkel for the coin toss pre-game. Crystal, or Bubbah as she is better known, is a proud Dagoman-Wardaman woman who has travelled from the Northern Territory to join the Dusties.
Warragul Industrials ended up winning the toss and kicked with the win, knowing how important a good start would be against the Bulls, who were coming off a 140-point win the week prior.
Early in the day the Dusties were able to control the play, generating repeat inside 50s without properly converting on the scoreboard and having to settle for just one goal at quarter time.
Despite Karingal enjoying the advantage of the wind in the second quarter they only managed five inside 50s for the term. Unfortunately for the visitors, they made the most of two of them, booting 2.0 to the Dusties' 1.2.
While they only held a narrow lead at half time the Dusties team were confident as they were controlling the play.
Elise Molesworth moved from the midfield to a high half forward role to try and capitalise more on the momentum and wind advantage. This proved to be a good move as she dominated the quarter, sending the ball inside 50 on numerous occasions.
All of the Warragul Industrials players lifted, with captain Lily Van Berkel leading from the front with her intensity around the ball and her intercept marks.
Midfielder Abbie Hoiberg-Cox dominated the Karingal midfield as she racked up countless possessions and took the game on at every opportunity. The Dusties team had nine scoring shots but could only manage two goals.
Karingal were coming home with the wind and were only 22 points down, however, a goal to Dusties in the first minute of the final quarter killed any chance they had of overrunning the visitors late.
At the final siren it was the Dusties up by 18 points. A pleasing sign for the Dusties was the impact of young players such as India Van Berkel, Regan Malady, Tia Jenkins and Brooke Hunter.
Best on were Abbie Hoiberg-Cox, Elise Molesworth, Lily Van Berkel, Crystal Browne and Jess Szalek.
Earlier in the day, the Warragul Industrials division two side scored an impressive 43-point win over Karingal in a rare chance for a double-header.
Like their division one counterparts the Dusties were too good as they day wore on, kicking 5.6 to no score past half time and winning 7.10 (52) to 1.3 (9).
Both the Bulls and the Dusties have found it challenging to make their mark in division two after being promoted from division three last year. However, the Dusties' coaching staff saw this game as a great opportunity to showcase the steady improvements made over the first six rounds against some of the competition's top sides.
It was a windy day in Karingal - less than ideal conditions for footy - but the Warragul girls made the most of it, running with the wind in the first quarter to take an eight-point lead into the first break, despite a slow start. It was a credit to Karingal, who really challenged early in the match.
In the second quarter, the Dusties stepped up their intensity and determination to be first to the footy. They managed to hold Karingal to just one goal while also kicking one themselves into the wind, maintaining a seven-point lead at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Dusties hold the Bulls scoreless while adding 2.4, extending their lead to 23 points going into the final term.
The final quarter was all Warragul, as the girls put the game beyond doubt. They held Karingal scoreless once again and kicked three goals into the wind to seal an impressive 43-point victory.
Among the best on ground for Warragul Industrials were Carlee Maher and Nic Bicchieral, who played four tough, physical quarters and led the way for the younger, faster talents in the Dusties' development side to shine. Other strong contributors included Tarsh Sanders, Charlize Dent, Jess Kemp, and Alice Wingrove.
Goal scorers were Sophie Jones with two goals, and Tayla Cann, Mel Lewis, Sarah DeMaria, Charlize Dent, and Carlee Maher with one goal each.
Post-game messaging from the coach praised the team's effort, noting that all 22 girls delivered their personal best in terms of effort and execution. "Bring that every week, and we'll trouble the top four sides," was the message.
Warragul Industrials will travel to Mornington for another double-header this Saturday at Alexandra Park. Division two will kick-off at 11am and division one will begin at 1pm.