So much so that the former US college player has decided to make Bendigo home during the SEABL off-season.

But that's hopefully still three months away as the Lady Braves continue to push for their first national championship under fifth-year coach Jonathan Goodman.

They enter a crucial weekend contest against Dandenong Rangers level with their rivals at the top of SEABL south conference ladder, both on  11-4.

Bendigo holds the current head-to-head advantage over the Rangers, courtesy of an imposing 81-62 win in the opening round in Bendigo.

Goodman's side has won four of their last five games to stamp themselves as the league's in-form team.

An obvious key through that patch of games has been Dufelmeier, who has averaged 11.2 points per game, above her season average of 7.4ppg.

The 25-year-old acknowledged her own good recent form, but was more interested in talking up the Braves' team-first attitude that has bore much success in 2017.

"I think we're definitely getting on the right track to make a good run at (the championship)," Dufelmeir said.

"Do I think we can win it? Of course I do, but every team thinks they can win it.

"But we have a good squad, good depth and a lot of young kids who gives us a lot of defence and points."

A reason for further optimism has been the expected top-class return to the Lady Braves of star WNBL point guard Kelly Wilson, who continues to mix basketball commitments with those on the BFNL netball court with Golden Square.

Dufelmeir said her experience had been invaluable in a strong of recent successes, including big wins over Hobart and Frankston."

"She's a true vet, who knows the game better than the back of her hand. She sees you before you know you're open," she said.

"She's a floor general, who can do anything you need. If you need a scorer she can do it, if you need a passer she can do it, and if you need a rebounder she can do it.

"It's great having her .... a wealth of knowledge and great leadership."

Dufelemeir was keen to repay the faith shown in her by coach Goodman and the Braves organisation and will coach the club's under-18 girls team in 2017-18.

In a further boost, her Lady Braves teammate Carlie Smith will coach a Braves under-16 girls team.

"I've been riddled with injuries throughout my career, some this season, so I wasn't sure where I would be play-wise next year," Dufelmeier said.

"I figured if I can stay here over summer and see how my body shapes up, I can give back to the Braves organisation by coaching.

"I  love it here, the community's awesome. 

"I'm happy here, so why leave? I don't really want to."