Caroline Springs incredible run in the Western Football League women’s competition has continued with the side through to a sixth straight grand final.
The Lakers, who are undefeated this season, booked the first spot in the decider with a hard fought win against Parkside Spurs on Saturday.
Lakers coach Alex O’Shea said it was pretty special to be back in the grand final again.
“I had to count how many in a row it was,” she said. “It is exciting.
“You obviously play the whole season to get to finals and get to the end, the grand final in particular.
“We’ve worked hard all year, as have other teams. It’s a credit to our program at Caroline Springs.
“There’s girls coming through from juniors and we’ve got new recruits. I’m proud of what we are achieving and it’s a good reflection of the work we are doing.”
The Lakers hadn’t faced the Spurs since round three. That was the only game the Spurs have lost for the season.
O’Shea said they knew it would be a challenge.
It was the Spurs that started the better of the two sides and led by 13 points at quarter time.
The Lakers then led by one point at half time and the Spurs by three points at the final break.
Three goals to none in the final quarter sealed the 6.11 (47)-4.5 (29) win for the Lakers.
“It was a competitive game for four quarters and we needed to lift our structures and the way we wanted to move the ball,” O’Shea said.
“We kept persisting and I’m proud of the girls.”
O’Shea said their defence stood strong early when the Spurs were attacking and allowed them to stay in the game.
When their chances came late, they made the most of them.
“In the fourth quarter we got the break,” O’Shea said. “At three quarter time the message was keep playing our way and the way we have played all day.
“The break opened up and we were able to move the ball well and hit targets and make the most of our opportunities.”
Jacinta Kondis kicked three goals for the Lakers.
Taylah Lea, Jordin Williamson and Caitlin Pretty were named their best.
The Lakers now get a week off before the grand final where they will either face the Spurs or Yarraville Seddon.
The Eagles beat Werribee Centrals in the elimination final.
O’Shea said the focus was to try and keep things as normal as possible.
They will be going for their second premiership from the six grand finals.
“We’ll treat it like any other game,” she said.
The Lakers men will face Yarraville Seddon in a qualifying final on Saturday.
