Warragul Industrials have suffered their first loss of their 2025 campaign in a grand final rematch against Mornington.
Forced to play at Tooradin Recreation Reserve due to Western Park's unavailability, some poor conversion in front of goal saw the Dusties brought undone 5.12 (42) to 9.4 (58).
Last year's runners-up had entered the new season with plenty of confidence, boasting a number of VFLW players as well as several key recruits from the former Seaford division one team.
The first 10 minutes of the opening quarter was all Mornington as they continued to drive the ball inside 50.
As the quarter progressed the Dusties midfielders wrestled control of the stoppages which help shift momentum.
Off the back of their midfield's work the Warragul Industrials were able to score several times late in the quarter but were left to rue missed chances, ending the term with 0.4.
The second quarter was an arm wrestle with the momentum being shared between both teams.
Mornington capitalised on their momentum, scoring goals from the boundary line whereas the Dusties girls were inaccurate, kicking seven points to half time.
At half time the Dusties were reminded by coach Scott Armour about how fit they were courtesy of a massive preseason so would finish strong.
Warragul Industrisla came out firing in the third, playing an outstanding quarter with many chase down tackles as well as players taking the game on.
The shift of Elise Moleworth to half forward proved a winner as she dominating the Mornington defenders.
The Dusties girls knew they were in with a chance and despite the heat were ready to out run their opponents, and after kicking the first two goals of the last reduced the lead to just over a goal.
However, Mornington were able to slow the Dusties' momentum from there, booting two more majors of their own to run out the day 16-point winners.
Despite the defeat, Armour said it was a fantastic effort by his side, who he said will certainly look forward to the next time they play Mornington.
Next round after the Easter break will see Warragul Industrials take on the big improvers of the competition, Karingal. Karingal will be very fit and very fast so it should be a great contest.
Best on for the Dusties were Elise Molesworth, Molly Schuurmans, Abbie Hoiberg-Cox, Alisha Molesworth and Molly Van Berkel.
The Warragul Industrials' reserves side were defeated earlier in the day by a very strong Mornington side.
Coming up against a team that had recruited heavily in the off-season, the Dusties' division two team fought the good fight but were ultimately beaten 0.4 (4) to 11.17 (83).
The Dusties conceded nine goals in the first half before putting in a much grittier performance in the second half, holding Mornington to just two more goals as they put together a more competitive brand of football.
Best players on the day were Sarah Burns, Amy Boote, Jessica Kemp, Bec Vaughan and Carlee Maher.