OVER the journey not much has separated Sandringham and Box Hill Hawks.
From their 64 lifetime clashes, Sandringham owns a 33-31 advantage
Certainly, the 1994 Grand Final between the Zebras and the then Mustangs will resonate vividly with supporters of both clubs.
Just when it appeared the John Murphy-coached Box Hill had their collective hands on the premiership, the late, great Trevor Barker-led Sandringham produced last quarter heroics to snatch victory.
While the ledger has ebbed and flowed in encounters since that memorable match at Victoria Park, which hosted that VFA Grand Final, this Round 10 match hold special significance for both clubs.
Sandringham and Box Hill Hawks will this weekend play for the Blue Ribbon Cup. The Cup has been played for between the two sides’ AFL aligned clubs St Kilda and Hawthorn for over a decade, and will be up for grabs for the first time in the VFL this weekend.
The cup is in memory of Victoria Police members Sergeant Gary Silk, and Senior Constable Rodney Miller who were killed in the line of duty at Moorabbin in August 1998. Players and on-field officials will wear reflective blue and white chequered arm bands. There will also be a minutes silence before the senior game. In addition to the cup, the Man of the Match for each side will be awarded the Silk-Miller Medal.
For Box Hill Hawks a victory will solidify its place not only in the eight, but also, more importantly, the top four.
Sandringham desperately needs to claim the four points to avoid drifting off the pace of those clubs trying to make the eight.
It’s a pivotal, virtual eight point swing match for both clubs.
Box Hill Hawks bring into the match a five game winning streak, at an average margin of nine goals, which has seen them jump to fourth with the second best percentage in the competition of 143.
Conversely, Sandringham is coming off two thumping 10 goal defeats against Casey Scorpions and Essendon, which plunged them out of the eight, albeit by half a match.
It’s come after the Zebras got back on track after a draw against Port Melbourne followed by three successive wins.
History tells us that nine wins is a bare minimum to make the finals and if Sandringham is to lose it would need to win six of its last nine games.
While that hardly falls into ‘mission impossible’ territory, Sandringham faces Geelong, Williamstown, Collingwood and Northern Blues in the run home.
Note, all emergency services personnel will receive free entry to the game on presentation of their identification.
Photo: Dave Savell
Last Modified on 14/06/2013 14:36