With perfect conditions at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, a big crowd came to see the home team Sandringham take on Collingwood and comfortably defeat the Pies by 74 points, 24.15 (159) to 13.7 (85). The Zebras’ strength in the midfield and a strong opening first half set up the win leading into the finals, as Nick Ciantar reports.
Sandringham began the game smoothly with minor adjustments to their structure. Captain Beau Dowler moved up forward in the first quarter and was instantly awarded with a goal. Dowler also played in the ruck, which enabled ruckmen Hamish Shepheard and Michael Sikora to play in the forward line.
“It gives us the opportunity of having three guys rotating through the centre,” said Sandringham Assistant Coach Ryan Webster on the Zebras ruck rotations.
The Zebras kept the Pies locked in the Sandringham forward line and they held a handy 19 point lead into the first break. The second quarter saw the Zebras get on top in the midfield. Myke Cook, Tom Curren and Marcus Marigliani led the Zebras midfield from the front and helped set up a seven goal to four goal quarter with their clearance work.
“They (Cockie and Cook) win a lot of contested footy for us. Tommy Curren was very, very good the whole game, consistent four quarter performer,” Webster said.
Sandringham’s quick movement of the ball set up many players across the ground. Terry Milera kicked their last goal of the quarter after a quick handball from a Brett Peake mark. The Zebras went into the main break with a 39 point lead.
Sandringham started the second half just like they started the first. Their clearance work was better than the Pies which enabled the Zebras to enter their forward line 25 more times than the Pies. Whilst Ben Johnson and Ricky Ferraro were consistent for the Pies, they were outclassed by the Zebras’ midfield.
In a simple piece of play in the third quarter, Sandringham handballed through the Pies’ forward press, Jack Williams then kicked to an open Milera in the forward line and went on to kick a goal. At the final break, the Zebras extended their margin to 59 points.
Curren (34 disposals, 3 tackles) and Marigliani (32 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal) kept the same pressure and intensity that was seen all day in the last quarter. Marigliani played his best game of the year and was the best on the ground. He has worked his way into the team this year after recovering from serious knee injuries.
“He trains his heart out every week; he plays his heart out every week. His ball use kicking inside our 50 was the highlight of his game.”
The depth of the Zebras’ midfield was too strong for the Pies; as Cook (18 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 goal), Peake (23 disposals, 1 goal) and Jack Newnes (15 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 goals) all had great games. Sandringham wanted to guarantee a finals place and it showed with them having “a lot of contributors in the midfield,” said Webster.
Ferraro (23 disposals, 2 goals) and Johnson (22 disposals) were two of the best for Collingwood, whilst Jarrod Witts (20 disposals, 20 hitouts) played strongly as a ruck and in various positions across the game.
Sandringham’s first half set up the victory and they continued with it in the second half. Sandringham faces a tough away game against Williamston at Burbank Oval this Saturday, whilst Collingwood meets Casey Scorpions at Victoria Park also on Saturday.
Sandringham 24.15.159 d Collingwood 13.7.85
View a full replay of this game by clicking HERE
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 13/08/2012 15:23