By Lance Jenkinson
Caroline Springs was out for vengeance after its semi-final shocker and got that with a 28-point win over Spotswood in the Western Region Football League senior women’s preliminary final at the Whitten Oval on Saturday.
The Lakers were disappointed in a 60-point semi-final loss to Manor Lakes seven days earlier, but coach Anthea Stathakis felt it was important to move on quickly.
“You can’t be dwelling on previous games, so all we were focusing on was the Spotswood game and what we had to do to get up there,” Stathakis said.
“The girls had a really good game today. We’re over the moon to be in the grand final.”
Caroline Springs came out with intent early in the game. The Lakers were up 20 to zip at quarter-time and extended their lead to 30 by half-time.
The second half was more of an arm wrestle, but Stathakis decided to rest some players in preparation for their grand final against Manor Lakes.
“Towards the end I did take off some of my players, especially my midfield, to rest them for next week,” she said.
Alexandra Fato capped a starring role for Caroline Springs with two goals. Fato has stamped herself as one of the best midfielders in the competition.
“Just the way she reads the play and gets the ball out of the midfield to our forward line is unbelievable,” Stathakis said.
Carissa Whiley was superb in the ruck, Maddison-Eve Fenech was prolific in the midfield and Caitlin Pretty was the main target in attack, finishing with two goals.
Teenager Taylah Kolevski had been a revelation for the Lakers this finals series.
Caroline Springs will face Manor Lakes in the grand final at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday at 5.15pm.
