The VFL today selected six Sandringham players in their squad of 25 for the representative match against Western Australia this Saturday 26 May at TEAC Oval.
Rod Crowe, Nick Sautner, Shane Valenti, Peter Summers, Ezra Poyas and Andy Biddlecombe will all have the chance to represent Victoria, who are seeking to atone for their narrow loss to South Australia in 2005. Mark Williams, who will coach the side, said the achievement of having six players represent the club demonstrated the strength of our list and the level of respect our club has won via premiership success. `To have a spread of both youth and experience make the squad, clearly shows that our list is as strong as ever' said Williams. `With state of origin no longer existing at the highest level, this honour cannot be underestimated and our boys will no doubt relish the opportunity to take on Western Australia.'
Williams believes each Zebra chosen has won their spot based on their form in 2007. `Valenti has been a revelation, considering this is just his second season of VFL football. Summers has been consistent in the midfield, Nick is having another great season and Poyas, Biddlecombe and Crowe are all coming good after interrupted starts to the year'
Also throwing his weight behind the concept is club president Gerry Ryan. `I think there is no doubt that the representative game is a great honour for all involved and in this climate, with the second-tier review underway, we need to get behind not only our boys but the VFL in general and really confirm the future of our competition.' Gerry believes the best way to support the Zebra players would be to make the trip to Port Melbourne. `Get along to Port not only for the WA game but also to watch our young up and coming stars in Gilchrist, Martin and Johnston in the Under 23 North vs. South match beforehand'.
Rennie Gilchrist, Tomi Johnston and Stefan Martin have all been selected to play in the Under 23 South side, a curtain raiser kicking off at 10.30am. Off the field Sandringham will also be strongly represented with Bruce Bowles (team manager), Norm McMurtrie, Wal & Joy Williams (statisticians), Paul Howroyd (runner) and Keith Turner (timekeeper), all rewarded for their hard work with the Zebras.
So get along to TEAC Oval in Port Melbourne this Saturday and show your support for the Big V and the mighty Zebras. Admission is via a gold coin donation.
Congratulations to all and goodluck!
Victoria vs. Western Australia 1.10pm TEAC Oval
Port Melbourne
Under 23 North vs. South 10.30am TEAC Oval
Port Melbourne
Rod Crowe
Peter Summers
Nick Sautner
Shane Valenti
Andy Biddlecombe
Ezra Poyas
Mark Williams
Last Modified on 20/02/2008 16:43