Sandringham, Box Hill Hawks and Footscray all took the points on a big Saturday of VFL action.
The Hawks unfurled their premiership flag in style, Sandringham sailed home on the back of the breeze in the battle of the bay, and Footscray returned home, much to the join of their fans.
Let's take a look at the Saturday results:
Zebras home with the breeze
A dominant four goal final term from Jack Billings has seen Sandringham claim a 20-point victory over Frankston. Kicking with the aid of the breeze in the final term, the Zebras stormed home with six goals to one to win 17.5 (107) to Frankston 11.21 (87)
St Kilda No.3 pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, Billings had a quiet first half with five disposals, but collected 16 in the second half, along with five goals to be influential in the result. Adam Cockie showed why he is captain of the Zebras this season, leading by example to be the best on ground for the game across the four quarters.
Sandringham made the most of the breeze to the bay end of the ground, kicking 14 goals to the Dolphins eight – with an impressive eight goal to two second term. Tom Lee kicked four goals, along with Trent Dennis Lane with three.
Inaccuracy cost Frankston, especially with the breeze. They had 32 scoring shots to 22, and kicked 12 behinds with the breeze in the first and third quarters. Shane Hockey and new recruit Shannon Taylor impressed in the middle, while Khan Haretuku and Jake Greeley were their major goal kickers with two each.
The win was a positive start for stand in coach Paul Hudson, with Simon McPhee set to return to the coaches box next weekend against Box Hill Hawks.
Standalone start a happy homecoming for Footscray
Footscray produced the best possible result in its return to the VFL with a 117-point win over Richmond in Round 1.
After a close first term, the home side kicked 12 goals to one across the next two quarters to race to an unassailable 84-point lead at three quarter time.
A number of familiar names to VFL fans were the key to the victory for Footscray, with Brett Goodes named best, and Tory Dickson kicking four goals, while for Richmond captain Ross Young was their best along with former Port Melbourne player Nathan Batsanis who kicked two goals.
Ayce Cordy (five goals) was the main target up forward for the Bulldogs, who were welcomed back to Victoria Uni Whitten Oval with a large and vocal crowd.
More of the same from Hawks
Box Hill has started its flag defence in the best possible fashion, defeating Werribee Tigers by 25 points to record win number two for the year.
The Hawks dominated early, setting up their lead in the first term and not allowing Werribee any closer than two goals throughout the game. The Tigers let themselves down with inaccuracy towards goal, finishing the game with more scoring shots but five less majors.
Ben Stratton made a successful return from injury, pairing well with David Mirra in defence while Ayden Kennedy was swung forward to kick two goals, with Sam Grimley with three. Werribee were unable to find a multiple goal kicker for the afternoon, with Jarred Moore, Michael Firrito and Tim McGenniss their best.
Friday night:
Gold mine not as easy for Cats in 2014
Bendigo Gold signalled their improvement from 2014 Friday night under lights, despite a 47-point loss at the hands of Geelong. The last time the Gold hosted the Cats in August 2013, they suffered a humiliating 201-point defeat on their home turf. Fans will be hoping Friday nights result is a sign of a more competitive outfit in 2014.
Bendigo held a 12-point lead at quarter time, but a six goal to two second term by the visitors helped set up their win. Josh Walker was the key to goal for the Cats with four goals, and was among the best with debutant Darcy Fort , Tom Maas and reliable Matt Sully.
Billy McInnes, Alik Magin and Tyson Biffon kicked two each for Bendigo, with Jack Sheahan, Matt Farrelley and captain Steve Stroobants their best.
Sunday matches:
Essendon v Casey Scorpions (live on Casey Radio)
Northern Blues v Williamstown (live on VFL Radio)
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 05/04/2014 18:39