Perfect start for new Pumas coach

By Melissa Grant
MATTHEW Caples got off to the perfect start as the new coach of Lyndale with his side recording a 20-point win over Murrumbeena in Southern Football League (SFL) Division Two action on Saturday.
Caples was appointed to the role last week when Paul Wilson called it quits after just half a season at the helm.
Lyndale proved to be the better side in the wet and slippery conditions, keeping in front for the majority of the game.
The Pumas burst out of the blocks kicking five goals to two in the first term to lead by 17 points at quarter-time. But the second term was a battle with both sides only registering one goal apiece on the scoreboard.
Murrumbeena came out fighting in the third term, outscoring the Pumas by five points to edge within 13 at the last change.
Murrumbeena had its chances in the last quarter, but wayward kicking cost it dearly.
The home side only managed to register five behinds, while the Pumas slammed on two straight goals to run away with a 20-point victory.
Christopher Briggs took best on ground honours for the Pumas, amassing countless possessions and kicking two majors, while Ragip Ragipi and Tristan Caples were good all day in and under the ball.
Ashley Brownjohn was the only multiple goal-kicker for the Lions with two.
Matthew Caples said he was relieved to come away with the four points.
“I was pretty nervous come Saturday morning,” he said.
“Once we got in front we kept in front.
“It got a bit closer in the third quarter but fortunately we were able to hold on.”
Caples said he was particularly impressed with the efforts of ruckman Chris Briggs, who was at his best despite conditions suiting the smaller players on the ground.
“He was marking like it was a dry day,” the coach said.
Caples said although he had an ambition to coach the club next year, he would wait until the season’s end to decide whether to apply for the job. He said his focus was on improving the side during the remainder of the season.
“I am looking forward to getting the best out of the team,” Caples said.
He will have to get the best from his players this weekend if they are to defeat Dingley, which sits second on the ladder with a 10-1 win-loss record.
Caples said he was looking forward to the challenge.
“Obviously they’re one of the form sides of the competition,” he said. “We will have to improve on our defence and find the right match-up for Adam Quinn (69 goals).
“We’ll also have to win the ball through the midfield.”
Caples is hopeful of regaining wingman Todd Armsden (calf) and midfielder Travis Wilson (hamstring) for the big clash at Barry Powell Reserve on Saturday.
Springvale Districts v Ashwood
Springvale Districts continue to look the goods after thumping a hapless Ashwood by 118 points at Springvale Reserve on Saturday.
The result never looked in doubt, with the Demons stamping their authority on the match in the opening stanza, outscoring Ashwood 40 points to nil.
The Demons continued their rampage after quarter-time snagging another 12 majors to finish with 18, while Ashwood registered only one goal.
Springvale Districts’ win was spearheaded by a best on ground performance by Gavin Vassalllo, which included six goals. Mark Riley and vice-captain Robert Burns were also impressive for the home side.
Dale Carroll was the sole name on the Magpies’ goal list, slotting one through in the final quarter.
Springvale Districts remains undefeated after 11 rounds and will be looking to extend its winning streak when it takes on Murrumbeena this weekend.