Warragul Industrials scored their biggest win of the season to date, handing Mornington their first loss in a gritty team effort away from home on Saturday.
Inaccuracy in front of goal threatened to derail the Dusties as they eventually held their nerve to win 6.13 (49) to 5.4 (34).
The Dusties team had the hardest possible assignment of the year to far, having to take on the undefeated Mornington women's team on their home ground. The Dusties team was strong but still missing several players.
There was a great feeling before the game in the rooms and during the warm up. This transferred into the game as the visitors began well but just could not convert the opportunities into goals.
Ten minutes into the first quarter it was Mornington leading by two goals, but the Dusties controlled the later part of the quarter and managed to hit the scoreboard and as a result took a two point lead at quarter time 3.4 to 3.2.
The second quarter was a showcase of how pressure around the ball can derail any team.
The Dusties' engine room of Alisha Molesworth, Elise Molesworth and Abbie Hoiberg-Cox were physical and outworked their opponents to control the midfield battle which gave their forwards repeat inside 50s to create scoring opportunities.
Kelly O'Neill dominated up forward, taking many marks and helping lock the ball in her side's forward end.
Michaela Williams, Nikia Webber and Kaitlyn Carew were all also causing headaches for the Mornington defenders.
In the third quarter the Dusties began with the same intensity and were able to get repeat inside 50s but were only able to score four behinds.
Mornington were still throwing everything at the Dusties but, but their defensive unit of Monai Porykali, Lily Van Berkel, Emily McGovern and Brooke Hunter were just too good and repelled almost every forward entry.
Despite that, a late Mornington goal from a free kick kept the ladder leaders in the contest at three quarter time.
At the final break the Dusties coach gave the team a plan to execute for the final quarter, which focused on maintaining the lead and denying them of opportunity but also included a plan to put in play if Mornington were able to hit the front.
Warragul Industrials ended up running over the top of their opponents with most of the quarter played in their forward half, keeping Mornington scoreless while adding 1.2 to their own score.
Highlights for Dusties was the team first approach that was adopted by all the players. Every player had an impact and played their role.
Other highlights came in the form of Samara Beaton on the wing, the impact of Dusties youth player Amy Boote, the form of Indi Van Berkel who played ruck in the absence of Jess Szalek and the marking of Chloe Bailey in the forward line.
The Dusties division one team will play Pearcedale on Sunday 3pm at Western Park. With only four games left in the season the Dusties team are sitting two wins clear in second place.
Warragul Industrials' division two team were unable to go with Tyabb away from home.
Things were close early but the home side finished the stronger side as the day wore on, downing the Dusties 11.12 (78) to 1.1 (7).
Best on for the Dusties were Jessica McGovern, Jess Duvoisin, Hayley Wilson, Jaz Middleton and Melinda Lewis.