Caroline Springs’ grand final dreams came to a halt on Saturday in the Western Football League division 1 preliminary final.
After two hard finals, including losing its semi final in extra time, the Lakers faced Hoppers Crossing in the preliminary final on Saturday for a spot in the decider.
The Lakers were aiming to make their first division 1 grand final, having won their first final in this division a couple of weeks ago.
It was tough conditions at Skinner Reserve with rain, hail and plenty of wind making it tough for players.
The Warriors led by four points at quarter time before extending the margin to 13 points at the main break after kicking the only goal of the second quarter.
Hoppers Crossing continued to grow the lead in the third quarter with the margin 18 points at three quarter time, leaving the Lakers a task in the final quarter.
The game broke open in the final quarter with the Warriors running out the stronger of the teams with six final quarter goals to come away with an 11.9 (75)-4.7 (31) win.
It was all single goalkickers for the Lakers.
Billy Crofts, Mitchell Bongiovanni and Max Tessari were named their best for the Lakers.
Jed Anderson, Ryan Kitchen and Chase Guy were named the Warriors best.
Hoppers Crossing, which finished bottom last year, will now face Werribee Districts, last season’s premiers, in the grand final on Saturday at Avalon Airport Oval.
