By Tara Murray
Caroline Springs got an important win as it has its focus on a top three spot in the Western Football League division 1 season.
It was fourth against fifth on Saturday as the Lakers took on Spotswood at Donald McLean Reserve.
There were no more than 10 points between the two sides at three breaks with the Lakers leading by four points heading into the final quarter.
A four goal to one final quarter sealed a 14.9 (93)-10.9 (69) win for the Lakers.
Lakers footy manager Shaun Rainer said it was good to get the points.
“We expected to face a really good Spotswood outfit,” he said. “It was Iacca’s [David Iaccarino] 300th game and that came to the fore for them.
“It was a really tight contest all day.”
Rainer said the third quarter was crucial for his side as they kept the Woodsmen to two goals with the wind.
He said they were confident of getting the job done at that stage.
“The last couple of minutes we got the margin out,” he said. “It was tight until the 22nd, 23rd minute in the last.”
Steven Kyriazis kicked four goals for the Lakers as they had four players kick multiple goals.
Rainer said Mitch Bongiovanni had a really good game with his contested work, while Ben Caluzzi continued his good form from half back.
The win puts the Lakers a game clear of the Woodsmen in fourth spot and they remain just one game between Yarraville Seddon which is in third.
Rainer said the result of the game with Spotswood was an important one.
“We are fighting for a top three spot and if we are to finish in the top three that would be really good outcome for the year,” he said.
“We lost a couple of close ones and we have to be a bit better. We had a couple out, but we are getting a bit healthier.
“In the back end of the season we will hopefully improve and push on a bit more.”
Rainer said the growth and development of the younger players was one of the most impressive things so far, with those players becoming more confident and consistent at this level.
The Lakers this week host Point Cook.
“We want to start to build some momentum,” Rainer said. “It’s always a big challenge and we have to make sure we are up for it.”
In other results, Sunshine upset Altona in a 13.8 (86)-8.15 (63) win.
Xavier Kardachi and Riley Buckland were named the Kangaroos best.
Meanwhile, Albion lost to Werribee Districts, 18.15 (123)-10.11 (71).
