Caroline Springs is shaping as the likely big improver of the Western Region Football League division 1 this season.
The Lakers enter their second season in the top flight a little wiser about what to expect from their competitors and the areas they need to address internally.
The exciting youth line-up on their list is a year further developed and an influx of experienced new players has levelled out the imbalances.
The needle is definitely pointing up for the Lakers, who have former AFL player Brodie Holland at the helm.
Lakers football director Marc Raak said the players now know what to expect.
“The boys have had a taste of divvy one now,” he said. “It was a good eye-opener for our club and our players.”
Holland’s signing as senior coach is an exciting development for Caroline Springs.
A one-time player-coach at Maribyrnong Park, Holland wanted to return to coaching after three years out.
The 38-year-old former Fremantle and Collingwood midfielder had not been lost to local football, playing at Broadford in the RDFL, but he felt the time was right to return to the coaches’ box.
“We put our cards on the table – this is the list, this is where I think we are at and what we think we need moving forward to climb up the ladder in divvy one,” Raak said.
“After about four to six weeks, we had a few meetings and he rang me up and said, ‘I’m going to do it’ … we were over the moon.
“From day one when he walked in, he’s known what he wants, the club’s supported him in his decisions, he’s recruited some players, helping with some of our sponsors.
“As a club, we’re delighted with the direction we’re heading with Brodie.”
Holland has also been training with the team and will pull on the boots.
He is likely to play up to six games, which will give him a chance to better understand his players.
“When you’re playing next to them, you can see what’s going on, so it will be an educational thing as well to be out there,” Raak said.
Another bonus for Caroline Springs will be seeing more of Brian Lake this season.
Lake, a three-time premiership star with Hawthorn, played only two games last season because of media commitments.
He has informed the club that he will play at least 10 games this year.
“I think we’re a four or five-goal better side when Brian’s playing,” Raak said.
“Hopefully, he’s all fit and healthy – it’s going to help us because he can play multiple roles.”
The big signing for Caroline Springs is former Fremantle Dockers-listed player Josh Mellington, who played six games at the top level with the Dockers.
The 25-year-old’s main asset is his versatility in multiple positions, but expect him to spend plenty of time forward as a replacement for the retired Mathew Sutton.
“We look forward to Joshy kicking some goals – he kicked five in his last practice match against Darley,” Raak said. “He’s a full forward, but he can go through the middle of the ground at times, he can play on a half-forward flank, he’s got a lot of tricks to his bow. I think it’s exciting for our competition that we’ve got someone like Joshy, who’s got a bit of flair.”
Other key additions are ruckman Kyle Galloway, once on the Sydney Swans’ list, key position player Rex Hickman and midfielder Jacob Hislop.
