The Pioneers restricted the Stingrays to just one goal in their 4.4 (28) to 1.4 (10) win.

The Pioneers only need one win from their final three matches to secure a finals berth, while two wins from three games could be enough to earn the double chance.

"The key to win today was the girls' resilience and their ability to work as a team,'' a proud coach Shawn McCormick said.

"Often with pathway programs or elite talent programs the cohort play for the number on the jumper and not the name on the jumper.

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"That's certainly not the case with this group. There's no indivudals. They've embraced team first and foremost and they're getting the rewards for it."

Centre half-forward Jordyn Jolliffe set the tone for the Pioneers with two goals in a best on ground performance.

Tara Slender controlled the game across half-back, while Bree Hards, Maeve Tupper and Annabel Strahan continued their consistent form in the middle of the ground.

Dandenong's only goal of the game came halfway through the first quarter.

"The backline was sensational again. They work so well together,'' McCormick said.

"We missed a few shots in front of goal ourselves and probably could have won by a bit more."

The Pioneers play the second-placed Northern Knights next round before facing second-placed Calder Cannons.

The final game of the home and away season is against sixth-placed Oakleigh.

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