Tara Murray
The motivation remains high for Caroline Springs in the Western Football League women’s competition.
The Lakers fell agonisingly short in the division 1 grand final last year to Spotswood and having kept the core group of their side together will again be up among the favourties.
Lakers coach Alex O’Shea said it was nice to have footy back.
“It’s a new competition with only one division which is nice, with different teams,” she said.
“We’re down from two teams to one as with women’s footy numbers will drop off at times.
“We’re focusing on one women’s team and have a strong junior program throughout the club and years to come hopefully we can build up a second team again.
“We have a really strong under-18 team with six girls playing at the Western Jets.”
O’Shea said it had been nice to keep the core group together so they can continue to keep the continuity of the group.
She said they had made some changes off field as well to help build the program and remain strong.
“We’ve restructured the coaching team and bought in a few extra coaches, some line coaches and we’ve changed the outlook for the season and how we move forward,” she said.
“I have high expectations of the girls, but it’s good to remember that we need to have a good time and have fun and remember why we want to play footy.”
O’Shea said the playing group had plenty of motivation after falling just short last year.
She said many players trained together in the off season without the coaches.
On field, she said several girls have different roles this season and she was keen to see what they could do.
The Lakers started the season with a loss to Werribee Centrals, who are expected to be in the finals mix again.
O’Shea said they were beaten by a better opposition on the day.
“We don’t want to lose, but we take a lot from that and will build throughout the season. “We can continue to correct those things that we need to work on.”
The Lakers got on the winners list on Saturday, beating Wyndhamvale.
For O’Shea it was a new opposition, with the Falcons being in the same division as their second side the last two years.
It was a big win for the Lakers, winning 13.17 (95)-0.2 (2).
Jactina Kondis kicked five goals for the Lakers in a best on ground performance. Kyah Tessari and Rebecca Marshall also had strong games.
The Lakers face Yarraville-Seddon this Saturday in round three.
The Lakers men’s division 1 side also got its first win of the season on Saturday, beating Hoppers Crossing, 9.18 (72)-6.12 (48).
Bailey Raak kicked four goals for the Lakers and was named their best.
The Lakers host Parkside on Saturday in round three.
