Tara Murray
A brave Caroline Springs fell just short of premiership glory in the Western Football League women’s competition on Saturday afternoon.
Facing off in their fifth straight grand final, the Lakers were hoping to add premiership number two to the cabinet against Werribee Centrals.
For the Lakers, it had been anything but an easy week leading up to the grand final.
Dean Ellis, who coached the club’s 2022 women’s premiership, died early in the week after an illness.
Ellis stood down from the coaching role last season after getting sick, but was still heavily involved with the side since then.
His daughter Alana Ellis is also part of the team.
Lakers coach Alex O’Shea said she was so proud of her side and how they were able to step out onto the field.
“It’s been a tough week and we don’t want to take that away from Werribee,” she said. “They played an outstanding game and when they had their moments they took it.
“I’m just extremely proud of the girls the way they fronted up today on the field and had to go and gave it their all and that’s all we ask.”
O’Shea said Ellis was the heart and soul of the women’s side, but his impact was much bigger than that at the club.
“He was our president, he was our coach,” she said. “He was a mentor, he was a leader and most of all is Caroline Springs’ family.
“He’s the heart and soul of this club. We won’t forget him, always remember him, always be with us.
“We love him to bits.”
On field, the Lakers had control of the game for much of the first half without putting it on the scoreboard.
The Centurions managed to get two goals just before half time to take a lead into the break.
O’Shea said it was difficult conditions to play in.
“We couldn’t pick up on that wing which way that wind was going,” she said. “I thought we had the wind in the first quarter and then we didn’t and I think that the weather just played a big part in the game.
“It stayed on that side of the ground and it was hard to get messages out.”
The Lakers fought back in the third quarter to take back the lead.
With 10 minutes to go it looked like the Lakers were on track for the premiership, sitting 18 points ahead.
The Centurions kicked the last three goals of the game to win, 6.3 (39)-5.7 (37).
O’Shea said Werribee took its chances late and when it counted most.
“Deservingly they capitalised,” she said. “They did a great job today [Saturday].
“I actually don’t know what has happened in the last six minutes. It was just a blur, we were trying to sort out what was going on and what was happening.”
O’Shea said while proud to be in five straight grand finals, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t win them.
“We are disappointed and we are hurt,” she said. “I thought the girls did really well, full credit to Werribee.
“They were the better team all season.”
While the seniors didn’t get over the line, the Lakers under-18 girls claimed the premiership earlier in the day.
