Footscray has ended Sandringham’s unbeaten start to the season, winning by 40 points at Simmonds Stadium in Geelong.
The Dogs kicked five goals to one in the first quarter to set up the thumping victory, as Nick Ciantar reports.
Young Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli (four goals) stole the show with three first quarter goals in a term where Footscray dominated every aspect of the game. Inside 50’s, contested possessions, ball skills and pressure were the Dogs’ keys.
Sandringham showed no signs of this in the first term and the Dogs made them pay, leading the inside 50 count 15-5.
The Dogs’ midfield domination allowed them to kick 12 goals in the first half compared to the Zebras’ four. But more importantly, Footscray continued with their first quarter supremacy in the second term.
Koby Stevens (three goals), Clay Smith (three goals), Christian Howard, Jack Redpath (four goals) and Mitch Wallis all had big terms, as the team continued pressing Sandringham’s defence.
Stevens took an early mark of the year nomination with a stellar pack mark late in the second term, as the Dogs led by 47 points at half time.
Sandringham’s forwards were nowhere to be seen with Beau Maister well held by Mark Austin, Tom Lee kept quiet and Spencer White having a better second half than the first.
The Zebras started the third term with the first two goals, but Footscray instantly replied to quell off any Sandringham comeback. Sandringham kicked five goals to two in the last quarter to make the scoreboard look respectable, but the game was already lost.
Footscray won the overall inside 50 count 58 to 35 and won the clearances 22 to eight. They man handled Sandringham and disallowed them to play their running football.
Footscray floated numbers back and their kicking efficiency was far superior to Sandringham’s. The Zebras would be pleased with winning the last term, but they will have some work to do on the training track this week.
Adam Cockie (one goal) could not break Wallis’ tag, Sam Dunell (one goal) was the Zebras’ best and Shane Savage (one goal) ran hard in the second half. Kenny Ong (two goals) was terrific on the wing and Dalton Graham had a solid first senior game for the club.
The Dogs were too strong for Sandringham and Bontempelli was the best player on the ground after an impressive first half.
Footscray have a bye next round while Sandringham host Werribee at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday at 2pm.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 12/05/2014 18:29