CAROLINE Springs coach Gary Turner stressed to his players the importance of this weekend’s Western Region Football League division 2 season opener.
The Lakers are “keen as mustard” to sink their teeth into competitive football after what has been a demanding pre-season.
They will be desperate to get a win on the board against West Footscray at Shorten Reserve on Saturday because their next chance will not come for another 21 days.
“It’s really important for us to get off to a good start with our draw,” Turner said.
“We’ve got Easter and then we’ve been given a bye the week after so it will be a while before we get back on the field.”
The Lakers have tailored a lead-up to round one to suit the dimensions of the cramped Shorten Reserve.
The second-year club never got the chance to play on one of the WRFL’s smallest arenas in their inaugural season and do not want to get caught out playing a style that does not suit.
You can bet your bottom dollar the Lakers will revert to their running style of game for their home opener on April 21.
The Town Centre Oval is much wider and longer than most venues and conducive to a hard running game.
Still, what the Lakers have learned from this season is that football is both a mental and physical challenge. They will be more resilient in both areas after their gruelling preseason camp on the sand dunes at Bancoora.
Meanwhile, the WRFL will play football on Anzac Day this season.
Braybrook will host West Footscray in the fourth round at Pennell Reserve on April 25.
