WRFL 2021: Caroline Springs’ ex-AFL pair fires in win over Deer Park

The much-improved Lakers made an early statement in WRFL Division 1 by toppling Deer Park for the first time.

Will Young celebrates one of his three goals for Caroline Springs. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Caroline Springs has not had the luxury of unleashing two key forwards to test opposition defences since entering the Western Region Football League’s top flight in 2017.

In Saturday’s Division 1 season opener, recruit Will Young took his place alongside the returning Brian Lake in the attacking 50m arc.

The result? The star duo bagged five goals between them as the Lakers powered to a 34-point victory over seven-time premier Deer Park, 8.10 (58) to 3.6 (24).

Former Adelaide Crow Young had signed on for the 2020 season and impressed in his first outing by booting three majors, while triple AFL premiership player Lake demands a strong defender and will only get better.

The club claimed 12 wins in its first three seasons in Division 1, with injuries and a player points squeeze often leaving it vulnerable against the competition’s elite.

But having developed its enviable stable of youth and bolstered its experience, Caroline Springs has become a formidable side as it conquered the Lions for the first time.

Max Tessari sends Caroline Springs forward. Picture: Local Legends Photography

“We’ve actually been able to play our best team without worrying about points for the first time,” coach Brodie Holland said.

“Plus we’ve got a couple of key forwards for the first time who are able to contest the ball in the air and hold the ball in (the forward 50), which is a massive plus for us.

“Brian’s obviously more stay at home … and Will likes to get up and get back as a leading forward.

“We had young Cody Raak in there as well and he was keeping their third tall (defender) in check as well, which was great.

“They worked really well together, obviously great leaders of the footy club as well, so they made my job a bit easier by setting up in front of the footy.”

The Lakers are aiming high in 2021 after winning two games in 2017, four in 2018 and six in 2019.

They led from start to finish against Deer Park in an early statement to their rivals.

“I think it’s big step in the right direction,” Holland said.

“We didn’t know what to expect and always a bit of unknown coming into a Round 1 clash.

“We knew we’d be competitive … but I knew if our effort was good and we played to the game plan, we’d be a chance to win the game. The boys put in place exactly what we wanted.”

Holland heaped praise on young half-back flanker Ethan Mantas and midfielder Max Tessari, while Jy Lambley also contributed two important goals and Western Jet Raak one.

Deer Park was well-served by Scott Greenhough, Rod Van Riet and Ryley Barrack.

Caroline Springs will next face promoted Yarraville-Seddon, while the Lions tackle Spotswood.