Caroline Springs came out with all guns blazing in a 78-point win over Albion in the Western Region Football League division 1 at Town Centre Oval on Saturday.
The Lakers were scintillating in the first quarter, charging out to a 39-point lead by the first break and were unrelenting en route to a second win of the season.
While the Lakers’ six-goal-to-nil opening term kick-started the rout, it was a stellar defensive effort against the breeze in the second term, in which they out-scored Albion three goals to one, that ensured they would not be caught on the scoreboard.
“It was important that we got a good start and we were switched on and ready to go from the first quarter,” Lakers football manager Marc Raak said.
“Probably winning the toss helped a little bit as well because we were kicking with a slight breeze in the first quarter.
“I think the game was won in the second quarter when we held them to a pretty low score when they had the breeze.”
It has been a tough season from day one for Caroline Springs.
The Lakers were stripped of their points when they last played Albion for exceeding the allowable player points cap.
With a bit of luck, the Lakers could have added another two or three wins to their tally after suffering some narrow losses, but at least they are growing more competitive at the level by the week.
This win over Albion was sweet redemption for the Lakers after what happened back in the season opener.
“Sensational for our football club, a fantastic day for the club,” Raak said.
“Our under 19s, reserves and seniors winning at home in division 1 – we’re certainly rapt.”
Josh Mellington was on fire for Caroline Springs with seven goals.
Caroline Springs have blooded a number of rookies under new coach Brodie Holland.
The Lakers were thrilled to see Steve Kyriazis make his senior debut after strong form as a bottom-age player with the Western Jets in the TAC Cup. “We offered him a senior game and he jumped all over it after getting the okay from the Jets,” Raak said. “We were rapt to have him and he was sensational early.
“He’s got a good career in front of him.”
Mitch Bongiovanni, Jacob Hislop and Jason Degabriele were impressive for Caroline Springs.
Brodie Holland also pulled on the boots and is playing a crucial on-field leadership role as a player-coach.
“What he does is give real guidance to some of young kids coming through,” Raak said.
“He’s just marshalling the troops out there, a bit like a Luke Hodge sort of style.”
Caroline Springs will be keen to make it two in a row when it faces St Albans – another 2-8 side – at Kings Park Reserve on Saturday.
Elsewhere in division 1, Deer Park kept a hold of top spot with a gritty 23-point win over Altona.
Sunshine came back from 14 points down at three quarter time to draw with Werribee Districts. St Albans went down by 26 points on the road to Hoppers Crossing.
In division 2, Albanvale was beaten by Point Cook to the tune of 54 points. In division 3, North Sunshine suffered a shock 11-point loss to previously winless Glen Orden, while Sunshine Heights could only go with Wyndham Suns for two quarters before the Suns skipped out to a 43-point win.
