Caroline Springs dominated against Roxburgh Park on Friday night claiming its second win of the Western Region and Essendon District Women’s Football League season.
The Lakers were never challenged, kicking the only four goals of the first half and could have been further in front had they kicked straight.
They continued their form in the second half going on to win 10.15 (75)-1.0 (6).
Anthea Stathakis kicked five goals, and Cassie Wilson was named best on ground in what was a special night for the club – the side wore pink jumpers for breast cancer awareness.
Coach Terry Azzopardi said he had been blown away with how the side had gelled and performed in the early rounds.
“The majority of players have never played football before,” he said. “From where they’ve come the last six to seven weeks to now, there’s been a consistent improvement.
“We’re not making up the numbers. Our motto is ‘mistakes or opportunities’.
“If you make a mistake take it as an opportunity to learn something.”
The Lakers have been blown away by the number of women and girls wanting to play football this season. They have a squad of 32 for the women’s side and have had to turn away new players. They have 100 players across their girls and women’s side.
Azzopardi said only about six of the senior players had previously played football.
“We’ve had three or four girls come from Deer Park and one from VU Spurs.
“There’s a couple of ex-netballers and basketballers who already have that hand-eye co-ordination. There’s also a lot of mums. There’s a great mix of players.”
Among the newcomers to the sport are a few familiar names.
Haylea Cooney, wife of former Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney, and Shannon Lake, wife of Hawthorn premiership player Brian Lake, are part of the team. Sophie Cachia, whose husband and father played VFL/AFL, and Abby Gilmore, former partner of Western Bulldogs player Jake Stringer, are also on board.
Azzopardi said all four had been great for the playing group.
“It has been great of the publicity for the club and women’s football as a whole We’ve had 1000 people at our home games.”
- Hayley Cooney and her teammates celebrate Friday night’s win. Picture Mike Tarr Photography
