Western Australia are in with a chance of securing their first Ryobi One-Day Cup point after limiting Victoria to 2-80 at the first innings break at the MCG on Saturday.
In ideal bowling conditions, the Warriors sent the Bushrangers in to bat and will be happy with the opening 20-over stint after removing dangerous top-order batsmen Brad Hodge (12) and Chris Rogers (one).
The bottom-placed visitors pulled a surprise early by opening with spinner Aaron Heal (1-12). The move paid off when Rogers was bowled for one by the left-armer in the third over.
But the next wicket of Hodge was the one WA wanted and they got it via 18-year-old debutant Matt Dixon (1-16) in the 13th over.
The paceman caught Hodge-s leading edge in his first over and the ball flew all the way to the third man boundary where Liam Davis nervously juggled the catch.
But despite getting off to the slowest start of their season, the Vics will feel content with eight wickets in hand and David Hussey (21 not out) and Aaron Finch (31 not out) at the crease and the hardest period to bat out of the way.
Although wicketless, quick Michael Hogan (0-12 from six overs) has led the WA attack with some early movement and attacking lines on a drop-in pitch that is getting its first use of the season.
Opening the batting for the Warriors will be Luke Ronchi and Davis.
Earlier, worrying morning rain cleared before the 2.45pm start and a full day's play is expected.
The Bushrangers have named Test quick Peter Siddle and left out quick Mark Cleary while spinner Michael Beers will carry the drinks for the Warriors.
Victoria 1st InningsFinch not out 31 (63)Rogers b Heal 1 (4)Hodge c Davis b Dixon 12 (27)Hussey not out 21 (27)Total: 80 (2 wickets, 20 overs)FoW: 1-3, 2-45
BowlingHeal 3 - 0 - 12 - 1Hogan 6 - 0 -12 - 0Johnston 3 - 0 - 13 - 0Duffield 4 - 0 - 20 - 0Dixon 4 - 0 - 16 - 1