It’s a blockbuster clash between two sides looking to finish their season in the top four, as Sandringham and Port Melbourne do battle in the Peter Jackson VFL game of the round. James Szabo previews the Round 15 clash.
Sandringham, who sit in third spot on the ladder, are looking to make it seven consecutive wins this weekend against the side in fifth place.
The Zebra’s recorded a big 49-point win over Coburg on Saturday, after kicking four goals to nil in the first quarter, and coming home strong with a dominant last term.
Jack Billings – who has earned AFL selection - was on fire with 45 disposals and two goals, while Jack Sinclair was named best on ground with his 36 touches, seven clearances and a goal.
Myke Cook (33 disposals, nine tackles), Jack Lonie (25 disposals, one goal), Brenton Payne (24 disposals, 10 marks) and Cameron Shenton (12 disposals, three goals) were also good performers for Sandringham.
Coach Paul Hudson said he was pleased with the result and happy with the way the players have developed throughout the year.
“The result was tremendous considering the conditions we played in,” said Hudson.
“They weren’t ideal, so to walk away with that win was most pleasing.
“We’ve given some guys good opportunities to play in different positions, which is good for their development and will help us later in the year. It gives us more flexibility.
“We’ve never really had a settled side this year – being an alignment club – so I’ve just been really happy with the guys who have come in and acquitted themselves to the position they’ve had to play in.”
While his side haven’t lost in six weeks and go into the game as favourites, Hudson is still well aware of the work that needs to be done to stop their opponents.
“I think they’re very big on contested possession, and we pride ourselves on that area as well.
“We need to make it hard for them to defend with the way we use the ball, and we’re looking to put as much pressure on them as possible.
“We’ve brought in a lot of leg speed as well, so if we can get the ball to the outside, we think we’ve got the leg speed.”
Port Melbourne continued their good form with a tight seven-point win over Werribee on Sunday. The Borough have now won four games in a row and sit just four points behind Sandringham.
Tom O’Sullivan was named best on ground in Port Melbourne’s clash, with the 179cm midfielder collecting 33 possessions, nine clearances, laying 11 tackles and kicking a goal.
Shannen Lange (30 disposals, nine tackles), Chris Cain (17 disposals, two goals), Leigh Osborne (25 disposals, five clearances), Luke Tynan (19 disposals, four marks) and Toby Pinwill (26 disposals, four clearances) were also named in the Borough’s best.
Coach Gary Ayres said he was disappointed with his side’s inaccuracy, but extremely proud of the character they showed to win another close game.
“I felt that time in possession was certainly quite high, but it was our inability to then transfer that across to the scoreboard that always kept Werribee in the game,” said Ayres.
“But one of the really good things we’ve done for some significant time is show a fair bit of resilience and resolve, and the boys were able to get the win they needed.”
Ayres also went on to praise the man of the match O’Sullivan. He said the midfielder has been a vital part of the Port Melbourne side this season and has been impressed with his ability to step up, on and off the field, as a leader.
The Borough coach said his team will need to play their own game this weekend if they are to beat the impressive Zebras, and acknowledged the importance of the game for both sides.
“We should go into the game with confidence and play to our strengths,” said Ayres.
“We need to try and dismantle what they do – they use the ball well and play a confident brand of footy.
“So we’ve certainly got to take that on, match it and be a bit better at the end of the day.
“We also have to respect them, because they’re going to be trying to win just as much as we are.”
Ayres continued by speaking about previous memorable battles between “Port and Sandy”, and said his side doesn’t mind playing at the Zebra’s home ground.
He, and the rest of the VFL fans, hope this week’s clash will be another classic match to remember.
The game will by the 100th VFL match for Port Melbourne's Luke Tynan - FULL STORY
The game starts from 2.00PM Sunday July 17 at Trevor Barker Beach Oval and will be live on Casey Radio, 97.7FM.
Last Modified on 15/07/2016 11:57
