While it is still mathematically possible for Sandringham to make the finals, realistically their season is over after a 43-point loss against Essendon last weekend, as Nick Ciantar writes.
The Zebras never looked likely to win against the Bombers, especially when the Bombers had the first nine scoring shots of the match.
Beau Dowler was the major goal kicker for Sandringham, kicking three goals. Sandringham Assistant Coach Matt Embling praised Dowler after the match for his forward pressure.
“Beau Dowler playing forward, kicked three and also laid six tackles which is great for a big fella,” Embling told True Zebras.
Zebras’ midfielder Adam Cockie (32 disposals, 8 tackles) returned to the side after a two game suspension. Embling said that Cockie’s return benefited the team after a 117-point loss the week before.
“Adam back in the side gave us a little bit more grunt through the middle and his presence around the contest was fantastic.”
Essendon proved too strong in the middle, and their captain Ben Duscher (23 disposals, 10 marks, 5 goals) was emphatic in the first half with four goals. The Bombers also had experienced AFL players David Hille (21 disposals, 1 goal), Alwyn Davey (19 disposals, 3 goals), Nathan Lovett-Murray (33 disposals, 1 goal) and Stewart Crameri (14 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal).
Cameron Shenton had the important match-up on Essendon powerhouse forward Crameri and Shenton soundly defeated him. Embling pointed out that Crameri was forced to play out of position on multiple times.
“You actually saw a couple of times that Crameri got moved up to the wing. So he actually had to get away from him because they were worried about how he was getting isolated.”
Despite the Bombers outplaying Sandringham for the majority of the game, Embling thought it was only the second quarter that ruined their chances of winning.
“In hindsight, probably the second quarter hurt us a little bit. That fifteen minute block where they probably kicked four goals and if we held them to seven goals to five at half time, we were in the game.”
Hille outplayed Hamish Shepheard (5 disposals) and first gamer Oscar Persson (7 disposals, 1 goal) in the ruck, while Tayte Pears (33 disposals, 7 marks) soundly beat Jordan Staley (5 disposals) in Sandringham’s forward line.
Jason Blake played in a variety of roles throughout the game and played his part.
“Overall, I reckon Jason Blake was probably our best on ground. In regards to his work in the ruck, down back and just general instruction around the ground was fantastic,” said Embling.
Tom Ledger (38 disposals, 1 goal) was Sandringham’s best midfielder and he ran tirelessly all game. Ledger was arguably the best on the ground.
Sandringham lacked skill against the more disposal efficient Bombers, but there were some positives. Debutant Persson was praised after the match by Embling for his leading around the ground.
“I thought Oscar Persson for his first game was really good. Took a couple of marks around the ground but also presented really well in the ruck contests.”
With games against Northern Blues (away), Collingwood (home) and Frankston (home) still to come, Sandringham are still hopeful that they can make the finals. But they will need to drastically improve and need to win all of their remaining games.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 08/08/2013 12:26