SANDRINGHAM has ended its three game losing streak with a thumping 44-point win over Collingwood.
The Zebras led from start to finish and recorded their first win since round five to push themselves back up the ladder as Nick Ciantar reports.
A four goal to nil second quarter set up the much needed win as the Zebras outmuscled the highly fancied Pies. Sam Dunell (12 disposals, four goals) and Tom Curren (29 disposals) returned from St Kilda stints and the pair had a significant impact on the match.
Curren was damaging in the midfield and was too strong for his opponent Kyle Martin (18 disposals, two goals), while Dunell proved a difficult matched up across the ground.
Sandringham’s team philosophy was evident throughout the contest with most of their goals coming from good team passages of play.
The Zebras’ ruck duo of Jason Holmes (10 disposals) and Lewis Pierce (eight disposals) out rucked Collingwood pair Ben Hudson (19 disposals) and Scott Greenhough (eight disposals). This important win gave the Zebras’ midfielders of Myke Cook (24 disposals, two goals), Kenny Ong (23 disposals), Adam Cockie (17 disposals), James Munro (10 disposals) and Shane Savage (29 disposals) first access to the ball – which they all used effectively.
Sandringham’s pressure and clean use of the football was the edge over Collingwood who lacked quick and precise access to their forward 50 targets.
Alex Fasolo (14 disposals, two goals) provided chances for the Pies however he didn’t have many allies on a modest day for Collingwood. But the Pies did take the game on in the third quarter and kicked the last five goals of the term to be only 22 points down at the last change.
Collingwood captain Jack Hellier (19 disposals) lifted his troops during the third quarter with seven disposals, while Ben Kennedy (31 disposals) broke Cockie’s tag.
But the Zebras lifted again in the last term after an inspirational speech by coach Simon McPhee at the last break.
Sandringham kicked three goals to nil in the last time and the intensity that they showed was similar to the form that they started the year with.
Elliot Le Grice (21 disposals) was a rock at full back and was well supported by the experienced Saints duo of James Gwilt (22 disposals) and Dylan Roberton (15 disposals).
Darren Minchington (19 disposals) lifted in the second half, while Arryn Siposs (16 disposals, one goal, five behinds) created plenty of chances at half forward.
Beau Maister (11 disposals, four marks, two goals, three behinds) and Rhys Stanley (eight disposals, five marks, two goals) were dominant in the air, which allowed the smaller Sandringham forwards to take their chances when the tall forwards didn’t mark.
The impressive win sees Sandringham move to sixth, while Collingwood dropped down to fifth.
The Zebras travel to Burbank Oval this Sunday to face Williamstown, while the Pies host the Footscray Bulldogs also on Sunday.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 16/06/2014 14:36