Tara Murray
Caroline Springs overcame a slow start to get its fourth straight win in the Western Football League division 1 competition.
The Lakers were at home against Spotswood and had a fight on their hands early on.
The Woodsmen led by six points at quarter time, before the Lakers started to get going and had a three goal lead at half time.
After the break, the Lakers had complete control of the game to run away with a 17.8 (110)-7.8 (50).
Lakers football manager Shaun Rainer said they were able to clean their game up after quarter time.
“It was good to get the win,” he said. “We have got some young kids in the side and it was nice to overcome Spotty’s early pressure.
“We were able to adjust to the pressure and overcome it which was good.”
Rainer said with the pressure put on them there were a lot of turnovers early in the game.
He said once they were able to clean up their ball use it made a real difference.
“We are going to make mistakes,” he said. “We had three under-18 boys in the team.
“They will make some mistakes and we were able to overcome the pressure and get on top.”
Rainer said one of the most pleasing things out of the performance was the spread of contributors.
Playing coach Brian Lake kicked four goals, while Lukas Hare and Tate Wood kicked three goals each.
“It was a real even spread,” he said. “We had a spread of goalkickers and we had a midfield spread with a few different players through there.
“To get hands on footy, we didn’t have any one player standout for us, which was pleasing.”
The win takes the Lakers to 4-1 and sitting second on the ladder, only behind an undefeated Werribee Districts.
Rainer said getting wins on the board early was important.
“It wasn’t the most ideal start against Yarraville Seddon, but we’ve won the last four games which has been good,” he said.
“It’s a very even season and coming into any game if you don’t play well you won’t get the win.
“Every game is against a potential finalist, so they’re all important.”
The Lakers this Saturday face Point Cook at Point Cook
Rainer said the Bulldogs are always dangerous at their home ground.
“Brian and the team will do a fair bit of work to negate Point Cook’s strengths. Hopefully we can produce some strong footy and get the win we’re after.”
The Lakers women’s side had a bye.
In division 2, the Western Rams had a tough outing against the Suns on Saturday.
The Suns dominated from start to finish in a 34.18 (222)-6.1 (37) win.
Damon Lewis and Matthew Land were named the Rams best.
The Rams this Saturday host Albanvale.
