WRFL: Caroline Springs beats Yarraville Seddon Eagles in Division 1

Two star Caroline Springs recruits are making strong impressions on the WRFL including an 11-goal haul from Ryan Allan as the club aims to learn from previous mistakes.

Caroline Springs might be 2-0 but coach Brodie Holland isn’t looking too far ahead.

The Lakers won their first two games for the second successive season after powering to a 26.22 (178) to 4.7 (31) win over an “undermanned” Yarraville Seddon Eagles on Saturday.

Holland’s side found themselves in the same position last year but would eventually finish the Covid shortened season with a record of six wins and six losses to have them fifth on the ladder.

Now he is desperate to avoid a repeat in 2022.

“It’s a good win but Yarraville were missing some of their better players and they’re a young side who are still finding their way in the top division,” he said.

“But to their credit they fought out the game really well. In our first game we were probably lucky to get Deer Park at a good time as well because they were missing key players who came back in this week.

“Early season win are critical because there will be times where we aren’t at our best this season or we might have a few injuries.

“We’ve got a good platform to build off but we’ve been here before and need to keep carrying our momentum forward.”

Keenan O'Shea finished with three goals. Picture: Local Legends Photography

Former Aberfeldie pair Josh Cubillo and Ryan Allan continued their terrific starts in Caroline Springs colours with dominant displays.

Holland described Allan as a player with “sticky fingers” as he finished with 11 goals to sit second in the league goal kicking charts after the opening two rounds.

Spotswood’s Steven O’Bryan leads the way with 12 majors.

“Ryan gave us a terrific target all day,” Holland said.

“When we brought him to the club we knew just how much talent he had because he’s had a fantastic career in the Essendon District league.

“I thought Josh’s hardness around the contest really gave us an edge and helped to lay the foundations for a really good performance.”

Ethan Mantas finished with a goal. Picture: Aaron Cook

Ruckman Liam Read dominated the air giving his midfield “first use of the footy all day”.

Meanwhile Max Tessari’s first quarter and “strength in the contest” were also standouts in the contest.

Keenan O’Shea (three goals), Dylan Laurie and Steven Kyriazis were also among Caroline Springs’ better players.

Sam Walker was the best player on the ground for the Eagles.

“We’ve got a really nice balance through our midfield now and I think the guys in there really compliment each other well,” Holland said.

Holland’s side will aim to move to 3-0 when it hosts St Albans in two weeks time.

Yarraville Seddon will search for its first win against the also winless Sunshine away from home.

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