Tara Murray
Caroline Springs won’t mess with a winning formula in the Western Region Football League division 1.
Sitting on top of the table with just one loss for the season, the Lakers could be forgiven for taking the foot off the pedal the next few weeks.
But with the club’s first finals berth in division 1 already locked up and the possibility of a minor premiership, they aren’t taking anything to chance according to football manager Marc Raak.
“We’re not going to change what we are doing,” he said. “We play a couple of the lower sides the next few weeks and then Hoppers Crossing.
“There’s a possibility to finish on top so we will stick with playing our best team every week and hopefully finish on top and give it a real crack at making finals.”
Raak said naturally they were working on things they needed to improve. He said their one loss to Altona, had shown some key areas where they could improve.
He said with a full list to pick from the club was in a really good position.
“We’re blessed to have a full crew of people to pick from,” he said. “The reserves are doing well and putting their hands up to get into the sides.
“It’s exciting for the club. It’s the first time we’ve been in this position [a full list at this time of the season], fingers crossed it hopefully stays that way.”
On Saturday, the Lakers were made to work hard for their 13.18 (96)-6.7 (43) win against the Werribee Districts.
Raak said things didn’t go their way early, but they were able to rectify things and get the game in their control.
After quarter time, the Lakers kicking 12 goals to four as they were in complete control.
“It was a game of importance for Werribee Districts,” he said. “There was a lot on the line for them wanting to get into finals.
“They were in front at quarter time. They are a three to four goal better team at their home ground.
“We stuck to the task.”
Ryan Allan and Steven Kyriazis kicked four goals apiece for the Lakers. Mitchell Bongiovanni and Allan were named the side’s best.
Raak said for him the most pleasing thing was the overall team performance from the group.
The Lakers remain four points clear of Altona after 15 rounds.
This week they face bottom side Sunshine.
In other results on Saturday, Deer Park beat Yarraville Seddon, 11.18 (84)-7.13 (55). Hoppers Crossing was too strong for St Albans, 14.13 (97)-6.5 (41), while Altona smashed Point Cook, 18.9 (117)-4.1 (25).
In the other match, Sunshine put in one of its best performances of the year, but still fell short against Spotswood, 10.16 (76)-8.10 (58).
