Sandringham has pulled off a convincing victory against the Bendigo Gold in Bendigo. The Zebras kick six unanswered goals in the first 15 minutes of the first quarter to set up their win, victorious by 76 points as Nick Ciantar reports.
The Zebras started off the game with the intent that they were going to win every contest. In a matter of minutes, the Zebras had three centre clearances and three inside 50's which resulted in three consecutive goals. The Gold could not get their hands on the ball and the match was won within the first 15 minutes of the first whistle.
After last week’s influential state game performance, tough on-baller Adam Cockie continued his dominating season. The "bull" of the team had 12 disposals to quarter time. Cockie was one of the most consistent throughout the game, finishing with 26 disposals and three goals. His ability to attack the ball and to break through tackles was one of the many highlights for Sandringham.
The Zebras first quarter supremacy continued throughout the game. They took advantage of the Gold's errors and the Gold could not hold marks. The Gold had to wait until the 20 minute mark for their first goal from former Gold Coast player Alik Magin.
At quarter time, Simon McPhee addressed his Sandringham troops and told them to continue with their efforts. But in the second quarter, the Gold found some momentum and kept the scoreboard honest.
The highlight of the game came from a smother from Zebras small forward Trent Dennis-Lane on half back in the second quarter. He then ran the ball down the wing and kicked to Hamish Shepheard. Shepheard fumbled the mark but still managed to hand pass to Chris Michaliades who goaled.
The difference in the match was the Zebra's willingness to get the ball at all times. In the last quarter, the Zebras kicked 6.4 to the Gold's 2.3 and this show cased the Zebra's dominance.
Myke Cook had another impressive game in the midfield, finishing with 35 disposals and a goal. Tom Curren was at his glittering best yet again with 31 disposals, three tackles and two goals. Curren has continued his 2012 form in fine fashion and is knocking on the door for rookie elevation at St Kilda.
Sandringham's defence was solid all day with Beau Dowler, Jackson Ferguson, Peter Shakallis and Jack Williams (21 disposals, 7 tackles) destroying the Gold's forwards.
But one of the stories of the day was the eye-catching debut of Matthew Kreymborg.
Kreymborg took the game on across half-back/wing, including running back with the flight of the ball to take a courageous mark in the third quarter. He finished with 20 disposals and 10 marks and certainly has a chance to play in the next game.
Tom Lee was the best tall forward on the ground and had some influence in the ruck as well. The St Kilda big man had 10 disposals, six marks, six tackles and one goal and gave the Zebras’ midfielders a target up forward.
Brodie Murdoch (24 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 goals) and Josh Saunders (27 disposals, 4 tackles) returned to Sandringham after stints with St Kilda and showed their AFL experience. While both players had poor kicking at times, their grunt and work ethic set the tone for Sandringham for the day.
Michaliades finished with three goals and 21 disposals, while Dennis-Lane kicked three goals in the last quarter (four for the match). For Austin Jones' Bendigo outfit, their inexperience was exemplified today. But not all is lost for the winless team.
Magin was flashy, finishing with 13 disposals and two goals, while Daniel Toman was their best with 27 disposals and five tackles. Alex Pollock led gallantly in the forward line and finished with four goals.
The Zebras outran, outclassed and outplayed the Gold, winning by 76 points. Sandringham has the bye next week, while Bendigo meets Williamstown on Saturday.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 21/05/2013 14:23