The Brian Lake/Mathew Sutton forward line, talked up through the pre-season as having explosive potential, has wasted no time delivering for Caroline Springs.
The Lakers enjoyed a huge 178-point win over Manor Lakes in their Western Region Football League division 2 season opener at the weekend.
Sutton, recruited from Melton South, booted 11 goals.
In his first hit-out since playing in an AFL premiership with Hawthorn last year, Lake kicked seven goals and was one of the Lakers’ best players.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW PICTURE GALLERY/SALES FROM SATURDAY’S MATCH
Caroline Springs coach Scott Korczynski said it was a great day for the club.
“We started pre-season in the middle of November,” he said.
“There was a new game plan and new recruits, so training has been a lot different to what it’s been in the past.
“We have worked very hard and the result is reward for effort.
“Both those two key forwards worked really well in tandem. Having them there is going to be a real asset for the team this year.”
While the Lakers’ forward-half players dominated, Korczynski was also impressed with the pressure his players applied around the field.
Caroline Springs gave up just five goals in the 33.15 (213) – 5.5 (35) win.
“Our ball movement was really good,” Korczynski said.
“I was really happy with the way we were able to get it into our forwards … we put a big emphasis on our defensive pressure as well.
“We won by 178 points … we had 55 tackles, which really shows guys buying in on pressuring the opposition and creating those turnovers. That’s what we’re looking for.”
Caroline Springs will enjoy a week off this round because of the bye.
Its next opponent will be North Footscray in round three. Despite it being in the season’s early stages, that match could be a finals preview with both sides seen as premiership contenders.
“Even with the bye, we’ll just continue to train as usual,” Korczynski said.
“The bye probably gives us a chance to have a look at what North Footscray is doing. Then we’ll come into round three and it will be a very challenging match.
“North Footscray is probably the benchmark this year. We are still trying to find out where we sit and it will be an interesting challenge for us.”
