After finishing without the double chance Caroline Springs is through to the Western Region Football League women’s division 1 grand final.
Aiming to make a fourth straight grand final, the Lakers had their work cut out for them against Werribee Centrals, who were aiming to make their first grand final.
Shekeine De Satge and Caitlin Pretty kicked two goals in the win, while Ashlee Wallis, Alana Ellis and best on ground Jordin Williamson all kicked one.
The Lakers came home strong on Sunday morning winning, 7.10 (52)-4.5 (29).
“It was a great team performance today against a strong opposition,” Lakers’ coach Alex O’Shea said. “During the game when we were challenged, it was positive to see a range of players stand up and play their role for the team.
After beating Spotswood in the 2022 grand final the Lakers will be keen to repeat history on Sunday night at Yarraville Oval. Spotswood won the 2019 grand final between the two sides, with both teams keen to move ahead on the ledger.
“[We’re] very excited to be in the grand final,” O’Shea said. “Obviously, each team’s end goal is to play in that final game of the season and to have that opportunity this year we are beyond grateful and can’t wait.
“As a team, we were proud to be in finals contention again. We knew that finishing third meant no second chances.
“Our focus has been one week at a time, and knowing that there was no ‘next week’ without winning.
“Each week, the team has continued to show the Lakers style of footy, persisting through the challenges that were presented.
“As a coach that’s all that you can ask for.”
Spotswood has sat at the top of the ladder all season and fresh off a week off following their win over Werribee Centrals in the first week of finals.
“It’s a grand final, last game of the season, pretty much says it all. It’s going to be another tough, competitive game,” O’Shea said.
“We will prepare for the game, like we have all year, and be ready to go from the first bounce.”’
The sides have met three times this year, with the Wolves getting the better of the Lakers on the first two occasions.
However, the last time the sides met was in round 13 at Taylors Run Oval, the Lakers got the best of the Wolves, winning by five points.
In women’s division 2, West Footscray defeated Spotswood’s second team to put it into the grand final.
The Wolves were down by 27 points at three quarter time and came within a goal of the Roosters in the 6.11 (47)- 5.11 (41) match.
The Roosters will now face Wyndhamvale in the grand final on Sunday morning.
Harper Sercombe
