Tara Murray
Caroline Springs has exceeded all expectations this season with both its women’s sides making it through to Western Region Football League grand finals.
The only club to have two women’s sides in the WRFL, the Lakers division 1 and division 2 sides both won their preliminary finals on Sunday.
Lakers division 1 coach Dean Ellis said it was an amazing achievement for the whole playing group.
“It is huge and everyone is a little bit excited,” he said. “The division 2 girls never really thought they would play in a grand final.
“To get there has exceeded our expectations. Everyone is over the moon. It’s so good for the club and the girls, it’s really special.”
The first team through to the grand final was the division 1 team, with the Lakers beating Werribee Centrals, 21.12 (138)-2.7 (19).
Caitlin Pretty kicked five goals in the win in a best on ground performance. Ashlee Wallis and Jacinta Kondis kicked three goals apiece.
Ellis said they couldn’t have imagined a result like that.
“We never expected to win by that much,” he said. “It was a pretty hard fought game, it was a lot closer than what the scoreboard showed.
“We finished off better than they did.”
With one side through to the grand final, the division 2 side was up next hoping to join them against West Footscray.
It would be a lot closer than the division 1 match, with the Lakers holding off the fast finishing Roosters, 6.3 (39)-4.11 (35).
Ellis said the girls were able to do enough to get over the line.
“They had the wind in the last quarter,” he said. “We normally play 20 minute quarters with no time on, but in finals we played 20 minutes with time on, so everyone was tired.
“We were 19 points up and they came back with two quick goals. We threw numbers behind the ball.”
Chloe Kropman and Jasmine Kincaid kicked two goals each for the Lakers, with Kropman named best for the Lakers.
Ellis said they would try to keep it simple and keep the status quo this week leading up to the grand final.
In division 1, the Lakers will face Spotswood.
The two teams played in the first week of finals and in the last grand final in 2019.
Ellis said the two teams had a rivalry going.
“This has been a few years in the making,” he said. “We’re pretty keen to make amends for a few weeks ago.
“The first team to settle probably wins.”
In division 2, the Lakers will play the Point Cook Centrals. The Lakers are the only team to beat them this season.
“Anything can happen,” Ellis said. “We dare to dream.”
