Caroline Springs remain bullish about their chances of securing a maiden Western Football League division 1 grand final appearance despite being overrun in Saturday’s major semi-final.
The Lakers led minor premier Werribee Districts by 17 points at three-quarter-time of the clash at Avalon Airport Oval.
However, the Tigers piled on six goals to one with the aid of the breeze in a final-term blitz to stamp their ticket to a fourth consecutive decider, winning by 17 points, 16.10 (106)-12.17 (89).
Caroline Springs were left to lament their wastefulness in front of goal earlier in the contest, which ultimately proved their downfall.
Brian Lake’s side will face Yarraville-Seddon in this weekend’s preliminary final in a rematch of the qualifying final.
“We probably kicked ourselves out of it a little with (2.7) in the first quarter when we had the breeze,” Lakers football manager Shaun Rainer said.
“If we had converted a few more of those, we could have probably had a stronger lead at three-quarter-time, which would have at least put a bit more pressure back at Werribee. But they were really strong in that last quarter.
“The boys did a lot right, it was probably just converting opportunities which hurt them early.
“But once Werribee got on top halfway through that last quarter, they ran away with it a little bit.”
Cooper Pepi, Alexander Paech, Alipate Bryant, Ben Caluzzi, Jack Heron and Reece Blackman led the way in defeat, while star veteran Ryan Allan contributed three goals.
Caroline Springs dismantled Yarraville-Seddon with an 11-goal-to-three second half the previous week and are confident they can advance to earn another crack at Werribee Districts.
The Eagles ended Hoppers Crossing’s flag defence with an eight-point win on Sunday.
“We should be going into this week confident after the result a week ago against Yarraville,” Rainer said.
“If we do what we did in the second half against Yarraville, we potentially get to that elusive division 1 grand final, which would be really good.
“We’ve been thereabouts with these top sides, so there’s no reason why we don’t feel we can go all the way if we get the opportunity.”
The Lakers have cemented themselves as a force in the top flight after claiming the division 2 flag in 2016.
They have contested finals in three of the past four seasons and secured the minor premiership in 2022 before suffering a straight-sets finals exit.
“We wanted to build towards it – we didn’t want to just throw away the club and throw ridiculous money. We wanted to develop and develop our juniors,” Rainer said.
“The majority of the team are CS juniors, which would be really great if we can go all the way.”
Luke D’Anello
