Tara Murray
Caroline Springs is slowly building in the Western Region Football League division 1 competition.
The Lakers have claimed the points in their first two matches, but there’s still plenty of work for the side.
On Saturday, the Lakers beat Point Cook Centrals, 16.11 (107)-9.8 (62)
Caroline Springs jumped out of the blocks, kicking the only five goals of the first quarter.
The Sharks finally hit the scoreboard in the second quarter kicking five goals, but the Lakers stuck with them, with four of their own.
The lead blew out to 52 points at the last break.
While the Sharks won the final quarter, the damage had already been done with the Lakers winning 16.11 (107)-9.8 (62).
Lakers football director Shaun Rainer said the Sharks pushed them for the first part of the game.
“They’re a side coming up from division 2, they were really good and competitive,” he said.
“We have a few new players in the side and it’s been about coming together and gelling.
“We kicked a goal in the first 20 seconds of the game, after quarter time the Sharks made a few changes and we had to adapt to that.
“It was a more positive performance than the first weekend. We are slowly getting there.”
Ryan Allan and Billy Crofts kicked three goals apiece for the Lakers.
Mitch Bongiovanni was the Lakers best, while Stephen Brewer continued his good form since returning to the club.
Rainer said they had five or six new midfielders so they were trying to get that group together, while they had also added Tyson Hartwig into the defensive line up.
The side was also adjusting to the new coaching style of Brian Lake.
“Brian has been around the club for a while now,” he said. “He’s actually brought in a different coaching approach.
“He’s calm on the side lines and in the box. We’ll see him back on the field shortly as well.”
The Lakers this week face the Yarraville Seddon Eagles.
Rainer said they were still figuring out where they sit in the competition, having yet to play any of the top sides.
“It’s always hard as you want to see where you are at,” he said.
“We’re getting games under our belts. We improved a bit on last week and hopefully we’ll have further improvement this week.”
The Lakers also had a win against the Sharks in women’s division one competition.
The Sharks led at quarter time, but would fail to kick a goal after that point.
The Lakers were able to build a lead throughout the rest of the game, winning 7.9 (51)-1.4 (10).
Caitlin Pretty kicked five goals for the Lakers.
Kyah Tessari was named best on ground.
The Lakers this week face Werribee Centrals on Friday night.
