Lakers eager to bounce back

LAKE Wendouree coach Courtney McLean says the Lakers will be keen to put last week’s loss to Redan behind them by bouncing back against Melton tomorrow (Saturday, June 21).

There was no hiding the disappointment after the Lakers gave up a handy four-goal three-quarter time lead to go down by four against the Lions at C.E. Brown Reserve.

The loss came with an extra toll.

The Lakers slipped to fifth spot on the ladder, overtaken by Redan and North Ballarat, which beat Sebastopol by 30 goals.

They also lost goal shooter Melanie Allen, who reaggravated the injured calf that has kept her sidelined for much of the season.

Addison Funcke shoots for goal for Lake Wendouree during last Saturday’s clash against Redan.

McLean said it was a disappointing outcome despite a promising start to the contest.

“I thought bringing the ball out of defence, we had heaps of deflections and intercepts, but we did not convert the gains. Even in the first three quarters, there were areas to improve.

“It was disappointing to lose Mel again. The young girls (Ebony Porter and Addison Funcke) working in the circle were great, but we just lacked composure when we needed it.”

Bella Clark was the clear standout for the Lakers in centre with her vision and defensive efforts, while also rolling through goal attack at various stages of the game.

McLean said the influence of Redan’s defensive duo of Ashlee Smith and Erin Riley had become harder to contain as the game went deeper.

“Ash is so good with her timing in the air and we did have the message of ‘Let’s not give high balls, especially in the wind’, but we did and she picked them up,” she said.

Centre Bella Clark was the standout player for Lake Wendouree in last week’s clash against Redan.

“She is a great player.”

McLean said the Lakers’ clash against Melton would be a chance to atone.

“I think the girls will be disappointed we let that one go (against Redan).

“It was disappointing to not be composed enough and smart with our game, as we have done it against really classy opposition previously. The girls have been able to stand their ground.

“They know they can, it’s not something they have to search for.

“I’m sure we’ll put the hard work in.”