After recording their first win for 2013 on the weekend, Sandringham will be keen to continue their form against the Northern Blues on Sunday afternoon.
Trevor Barker Beach Oval will see its first footy action for the season, while the Blues will be hoping to rebound from their first defeat for the year. Nick Duxson looks at the two teams.
Conditions
Trevor Barker Oval will be unveiled for its first game for the year, while the forecast is expected to be a cool 16 degrees. Both sides have an abundance of leg speed, which will hopefully lead to an entertaining goal-for-goal shootout by the beach.
Form Guide
Sandringham – LLDW – The Zebras have built after a slow start to the season, tying with Port Melbourne a fortnight ago before running all over Werribee in the second half to record a massive 10-goal win last week. Key forward Spencer White kicked what could be goal of the year last weekend in a display that has excited Sandy fans, but will be absent this weekend.
Northern Blues – WWWL – Dished out a 26-goal shellacking to Bendigo a few weeks ago, followed a high-scoring victory over Coburg and a close loss to Port Melbourne last week. Adam Marcon and Aaron Joseph have been consistently amongst the Blues’ best.
Last Meeting
Round 8, 2012 – Visy Park – Sandringham 10.20.80 def Northern Blues 6.14.50
The lead changed at every turn, but Sandringham dominated the final term after leading by just a point at three quarter time. The Blues had just six singular goal-kickers, with Brock McLean their best. The Zebras were well served by their St Kilda contingent, with Jack Newnes collecting 19 kicks and the one handball in a starring display.
The Key Match Ups
Key forwards could make the difference – the Blues potentially boasting Levi Casboult, Sam Rowe and Luke Mitchell. Spencer White and Tom Hickey plucked some big marks up forward for the Zebras last week, and Terry Milera was dangerous, but only Hickey remains in the side this week.
The pace in both sides’ midfields will be exciting to watch. Sandringham will be without last week’s star Milera, but Tom Curren, Cameron Shenton and Farren Ray all contributed last weekend. The Blues boast an in-form Adam Marcon, while Tom Bell and David Ellard have also been getting their hands on the ball.
Injury List
Jarrad Waite looks set to be included in Carlton’s 22 in the place of hamstrung teammate Bryce Gibbs after just the one game at VFL level.
Sandringham will welcome back Trent Dennis-Lane in place of Arryn Siposs, while Terry Milera will miss with general soreness.
Prediction – Blues by 12 points.
Last Modified on 03/05/2013 16:23