Caroline Springs’ premiership dreams ended in heartache with Spotswood proving too good in the Western Region Football League Women’s grand final on Saturday night.
Both sides were looking to win their first premiership and they turned on a show for the fans.
Both sides had moments of brilliance, with the Lakers leading early in the last quarter.
The Wolves’ class showed through late, kicking the last two goals of the game to seal the premiership.
The final score was 5.9 (39)-4.4 (28).
Lakers coach Colin Clohesy said in the end they were beaten by a better team.
“They were the better team throughout the year and they were the better team on the day,” he said.
“We can put our heads down on our pillows after the game and know that we gave everything.
“We put on a bit of a show for the WRFL and I’m happy with that.
“I don’t like coming second, but it’s better than third or fourth.
“I’m proud of everyone.”
Clohesy said it was a contested game with both sides throwing numbers around the ball.
Neither side was able to score a goal in the first quarter, before the Wolves opened up a 15-point lead at the main break.
Having come from behind in their preliminary final, the Lakers certainly weren’t out of it.
The margin was back to three points at three-quarter time, with the Lakers taking the lead for the first time early in the last quarter.
Clohesy said that’s when the Wolves’ class showed through.
“They torched us,” he said. “Their A-graders stood up and they had four or five extra A-graders. We were beaten by a better team.”
It was all single goalkickers for the Lakers, with Alexandra Fato named their best.
Clohsey said Jessica Kalmar had her best game for the season, while Destiny Eustace was outstanding.
“We played our best footy at the end of the season, not the start, which was a pleasing thing.”
It’s a second straight year the Lakers have finished runners-up, last year losing to a raging Manor Lakes juggernaut.
Clohesy said the competition had improved since last season. He said whether they had a successful season would be told by the number of players who return next season.
“It’s not all about premierships, it’s about building a good place and see how we grow the program,” he said.
Clohesy said they would love to field two sides next season, to help the progression of the juniors into senior football.
Meanwhile, three Lakers players were named in the league’s team of the year.
Fato, who was named captain of the team, was named in the centre, while Caitlin Pretty was named in a forward pocked.
Krystyn Raymundo was named on the bench.
