Caroline Springs is one step closer to the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 grand final after knocking off Parkside Spurs in an elimination final.
The Lakers were on top all day, but it took them a little while to get going, only kicking goal in the first term.
The game began to open up in the second quarter with the Lakers booting six goals. It was more of the same in the third quarter. It took until the last term for the Spurs to register their first major of the day. Hannah Herring was named as the best player on the ground for the Lakers.
Inaccuracy was the only negative to come out of the Lakers day with the side booting 16 points in the 12.16 (88)-1.4 (10) win.
Coach Alex O’Shea said it’s always nice to make finals and then to have a win in the first round.
“It was a tough game, especially in that first quarter, when the girls were getting settled, though we were able to play our game and carried it for four quarters,” she said.
“Credit to Parkside, they were competitive for all four quarters and they were a great opposition to play against, as well as it being their first season in the WRFL, it’s a credit to them that they made it to the finals.”
The Lakers were able to find multiple avenues to goal, with four players kicking multiple majors, Caitlin Pretty (three), Jacinta Kondis (two), Keyona De Satge (two), Ashlee Wallis (two). O’Shea said it was a really pleasing aspect of their game.
“The goal scorers are lucky to finish all the hard work that happens throughout the ground,” she said.
“So as long as we can convert, or play our game in all areas, that’s the main thing.
“So I’m very pleased it was a good team effort today and we were able to get the outcome we wanted.”
Next Sunday the Lakers, who are the reigning premiers, will face Werribee Centrals in a preliminary final.
“We’ve played them a few times leading into the finals,” O’Shea said.
“They finished second on the ladder, they’ve had a good season and we’re just looking forward to the challenge.
“Hopefully, we can just continue to play our game of footy and see how we go from there.”
Th winner of that clash will face Spotswood in the grand final after it secured its place in the decider after beating Werribee Centrals on Saturday.
Harper Sercombe
