Former Tullibigeal-Lake Cargelligo United premiership winning forward Michael Dodson returned to his home region to chase knockout glory with the Bulldogs.

After a tough run to the grand final, the Canberra powerhouse lived up to expectation by accounting for Group Nine surprise packet Junee 12-6.

As the first half unfolded the Bulldogs looked to be a class above their opposition, as they crossed for the first try through a clever play on the line.

Junee had an opportunity to answer with a try of their own in the dying minutes of the first half, but caption-coach Matt Hands opted to take the penalty goal to bring the half-time score to 6-2.

To the Diesel's credit, the new-look squad refused to concede to their heavily-favoured opponent.

"This was a really good, tough game," Goulburn Workers prop Dodson said.

"Junee worked hard and pushed us right to the end."

Goulburn Workers finally cemented the historic victory through the game's hero, Dodson, with 2½ minutes on the clock.

With the try converted, not even a last ditch effort from the Diesels - reminiscent of their win over Group 20 rivals Leeton on Friday night - could end premature celebrations.

"It was a great effort from the boys," Dodson said.

"We didn't come over here thinking to much about what was being said.”

Many in Group 20 circles were stunned to see the evergreen forward return to the paddock, with rumours rife Dodson was set to hang up the boots.

"I reckon I've been saying that for the last 10 years," he laughed.

"Really, I just couldn't after last year. We made the grand final with Queanbeyan but we were beaten.

"We have a lot of good players back like Joe (Picker) and things are looking good."