BREAKING: The Caroline Springs Lakers have captured the premiership title in the Western Football League women’s competition, clinching a magnificent victory on July 15, 2023. After enduring two heartbreaking grand final losses in previous years, the Lakers completed a perfect season with a decisive score of 10.8 (68) to 8.3 (51) against Yarraville-Seddon.
The grand final, held at the home ground, saw the Lakers face intense pressure from Yarraville-Seddon, who surged into the finals from fourth place. The match remained tightly contested, with the Eagles narrowing the gap to just a goal early in the final quarter. However, the Lakers regained their composure, showcasing resilience that culminated in a last-minute goal by Mira Diab to seal their triumph.
Lakers coach Alex O’Shea expressed her relief and pride after the match, stating, “It feels relief to be honest. We’ve worked hard all year, and Yarraville came into this game with a lot of momentum.” O’Shea emphasized the team’s determination, saying, “The girls had to be really on today. It was a four-quarter performance of footy.”
The match started with both teams trading goals, and the Lakers held a narrow lead at the first break. A pivotal second quarter saw them dominate with a score of five goals to two, establishing a strong 23-point lead at halftime. Yarraville-Seddon fought back, scoring the only goal of the third quarter, but the Lakers maintained an 18-point advantage entering the final quarter.
As the Eagles clawed back into contention, scoring two quick goals to bring the deficit to just one point, the tension mounted. Fortunately for the Lakers, Jacinta Kondis scored a crucial goal in the 12th minute of the final quarter, providing a much-needed cushion. As the final siren approached, Diab’s goal confirmed the Lakers’ victory, marking their second premiership title in six grand finals.
O’Shea commended her team for their fighting spirit, recognizing the pressure they faced throughout the match. “It wasn’t an easy game, especially in that last quarter. There were moments where they took that opportunity,” she remarked. “Credit to our girls, we got challenged in the game and we kept fighting. I’m very proud of the girls.”
The Lakers’ success is not just a testament to the current squad but also highlights the strength of their entire program. O’Shea noted the achievement of the under-18s, who won their EDFL premiership just a week prior. “It shows the strength in numbers that we have at Caroline Springs,” she added.
In a personal milestone, O’Shea returned to the field just six weeks after giving birth to her daughter. “I made it back in time to coach,” she said. “I’m very grateful to have a lot of people who are supportive and can help out.”
The Lakers’ victory is generating buzz as fans celebrate the culmination of a hard-fought season. With the grand final win, they have set a benchmark for future competitions, making it clear that the Lakers are a force to be reckoned with in women’s football.
As the celebrations begin, all eyes will be on Caroline Springs to see how they build on this incredible achievement in the coming seasons.
