SANDRINGHAM returns to finals action for the first time in five years as it hosts Box Hill Hawks in an Elimination Final.
The Zebras are pleased to end its finals drought, but it won’t be satisfied with just reaching the finals.
With an advantage of playing at home, Sandringham will like its prospects of advancing into the Semi Finals.
Sandringham dealt the VFL Hawks a nine goal hiding at the club’s only meeting, but that was way back in March and it won’t only be the weather that will be different this weekend.
Box Hill Hawks had no answer for Sandringham, which rode to victory on the back of exciting St Kilda small forward Terry Milera.
In fact, Sandringham’s team against Box Hill Hawks in the season opener included Milera, Beau Wilkes, Ahmed Saad, Farren Ray, Jack Newnes, Tom Simpkin, David Armitage and Seb Ross.
All eight players played for St Kilda last weekend and all are expected to again play in the AFL this weekend.
It will certainly test the depth of Sandringham’s list, but what will favour the Zebras is a return to the cosy confines of the Trevor Barker Oval.
Captain Beau Dowler, Adam Cockie, Myke Cook and Michael Sikora have been the mainstays of Sandringham’s resurgence and its VFL depth was strengthened mid-season by the return of the classy Marcus Marigliani.
Sandringham has lost its past two games, but both were on the road. The Zebras are a much better team at home and that will be to their advantage.
What Sandringham needs to turn around is its indifferent form. They’re 4-6 in the second half of the season and its only win against a finalist in the period was against Bendigo.
Box Hill Hawks also enters the Elimination Final losing its past two games, but both could easily have been victories.
The VFL Hawks failed by three points to end Port Melbourne’s two-season long unbeaten run at home and then they were in the match right up until the final minutes against Bendigo.
Both games were on the road and Box Hill Hawks again have to saddle up for another away game. They’re 4-5 on the road this season.
Box Hill Hawks had 10 Hawthorn players in the team that lost to Bendigo and that number could increase if Cyril Rioli returns to the AFL this weekend.
Apart from its strong Hawthorn representation, Box Hill Hawks has a core of seasoned players led by former Hawk Beau Muston and emerging young players David Mirra and Luke Andrews.
Sandringham may have the home ground advantage, but it may not be enough to hold out Box Hill Hawks.
Last Modified on 31/08/2012 16:45