VU POLYTECHNIC SENIOR WOMEN’S PREVIEW: CAROLINE SPRINGS DIV 1
By KEL ROWE
The third time was the charm for Caroline Springs, claiming the elusive premiership win that the team had twice previously been denied. In 2022, the Division 1 side finally hoisted the Premiership cup into the sky, after falling short in their previous endeavours.
Now in 2023, and beginning their campaign once more, the impressive side are keen to continue their winning form. Former player Alex O’Shea has stepped up as coach and is motivated to see the Lakers improve this season, both as individuals and a collective.
“Footy is back! We have a great group who are committed to working together and doing their best, but most of all having some fun along the way,” she said.
At the conclusion of their season last year, O’Shea was bestowed with a double-honour —taking out the club’s best and fairest for a fourth straight season, and being presented with the medal, now officially named in her honour. The club highlighted that it was “a no brainer naming the prestigious award after her,” sighting her commitment to leadership and strong club culture.
That same commitment runs through her side, with many of the players from the previous season returning for another crack in 2023. O’Shea is looking forward in anticipation, keen to see how far the group can go in the competition.
“Each week we will face a new challenge and I look forward to seeing how the team will respond and show the characteristics of Lakers’ football,” O’Shea said.
“We know that we need to build upon our achievements from last season. It’s a new year, new season, new teams in the competition and we want to continue striving for success. We know that previous success doesn’t guarantee future success, which is making the group more determined.”
In their first two outings for the season, the Lakers have faced up against new Division 1 sides Parkside Spurs and Point Cook Centrals. The season opener against the Spurs presented a game of clean skills and hotly contested footy, with Caroline Springs narrowly edging out the newcomers by a singular point.
Named in best on the day, Mia Tournas, Charlize Sindoni and new recruit Stephanie Thompson starred for the Lakers, with O’Shea noting they are just a few names among many on their list to watch.
“The players are really developing in their roles respectively; we will take each week as it comes and we look forward to matching up against all of our opponents,” she said.
As they head into their Round 3 hit-out, O’Shea is confident in the team’s approach to their craft. “We are proud of our club and the brand of football we play at Caroline Springs. We will keep working together and always give our best efforts.”
Catch Caroline Springs as they continue their defence of the Division 1 Premiership, when they take on Werribee Centrals on Friday night, under lights at Galvin Park.