Sandringham’s quest for finals action in the Peter Jackson VFL this season will rest heavily on youth.
Already boasting one of the youngest lists in the competition, the Zebras have welcomed a host of talented kids to the club over summer and are likely to field a team including a number of St Kilda’s 2012 draftees.
The Saints selected five players in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft, as well as adding exciting 22-year-old forward Tom Lee to their list in a busy summer.
All are likely to spend time in the VFL side under the guidance of Zebras coach Simon McPhee.
Running defender Nathan Wright has already proved with some eye-catching performances in the NAB Cup that he is player to watch this season but Zebras coach Simon McPhee said all five draftees were tracking well.
“They’ve all got tremendous character and the work ethic to make an impact this year,” McPhee said.
“The challenge for these guys will be to play consistent football and if they can do that then there is no reason why all of them can’t press for selection (with the Saints) this year.”
But it’s not just the St Kilda listed youngsters that have McPhee excited about the year ahead with a number of graduates from the Zebras’ TAC Cup-aligned region, the Sandringham Dragons, also impressing over the summer.
“Patrick Tiernan and Yilber Zijai have really jumped out of the ground in the practice games. Kenny Ong is showing good signs and so too is Cam Banfield,” McPhee said.
“Oscar Presson is another who didn’t play too many games for the Dragons last year but who has really been good in the practice matches and so too has Luke Barnhoorn.”
Key to helping the youngsters succeed this season will be midfielders Tom Curren, Myke Cook and Marcus Marigliani.
Cook was outstanding last season, winning selection in the Peter Jackson VFL team of the year, while Curren was named the Zebras’ best and fairest.
But it is Marigliani who will carry the heaviest burden after being named captain, a responsibility McPhee said was in good hands.
“He’s a terrific leader, really professional and we think someone who will be a great example, both to the Sandringham guys and the Saints boys when they come back and play,” McPhee said.
“He’s someone that demands excellence and will help bring the two groups together.”
The major cause for concern at the Zebras is the lack of ruck depth after the departure of Michael Sikora to Essendon’s new VFL side.
The loss of Daniel Markworth, who is out for the season after injuring his knee while on St Kilda’s high altitude camp, is another challenge the Zebras must overcome.
“We’re pretty happy with where we’re at,” McPhee said
“We’ll be incredibly young compared to the likes of Werribee and Port Melbourne but we think with the development in the Saints boys, the quality of our Sandringham players and the young guys coming through that we’ll be really competitive this year.”
The Zebras travel to Coburg this Sunday for their season opener and are likely to face a side with a large Richmond contingent.
Sandringham Dragons
Coach: Simon McPhee
2012 Ladder position: 6th (10 wins, 8 losses,)
2012 Best & Fairest: Tom Curren
Key recruits: Patrick Tiernan, Yilber Zijai, Kenny Ong , Cam Banfield (Sandringham Dragons)
Key losses: Michael Sikora (Essendon VFL) Michael Lourey (Frankston)
First match: Coburg, Mantello Holden Oval, April 7
Last Modified on 04/04/2013 11:54