Sandringham celebrated "Bluey Day" and the return of fine weather with a resounding victory over top of the table Port Melbourne at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday. The Zebras crashed out of the blocks like Olympic sprinters and devastated the Borough with an eight goal opening blitz. They then maintained the pressure on their opponents until late in the final quarter and ran out easy winners by 53 points, 20.8.128 to 11.9.75.
With the finals just a fortnight away, the Zebra selectors went for a mixture of youth and experience. It was a smart move playing a group of youngsters in Matt Gadsden, Toby Conroy and Kenton Hall as all have been doing well in the reserves and they will be needed in the finals given the new rule limiting the number of AFL listed players to 12 per game for the finals series. Although their opportunities were limited, the trio showed promise and their presence will add to the team's depth. Also in the side were two younger Demons in Nick Smith and Luke Molan who added strength and marking to the forward line. The experienced trio Guy Rigoni, Peter Walsh and Daniel Ward came back from AFL service and were all welcome additions.
It didn't take long for the new look Zebra combination to fire. Within a minute of the opening siren, Nick Sautner had his first goal on the board and by quarter time, his personal tally was five. The spearhead was reasonably well covered for the rest of the game and he also suffered a mild injury to his knee in the third quarter before finishing with six for the day. However, the game had been put to bed by the first break when Sandy led by eight goals and the scoreboard was somewhat embarrassing to the top dogs.
Sandringham's superiority was not simply the result of a dominating burst by the full forward. The Zebras had winners all over the ground and played with great intensity. They had a brilliant defence that moved the ball directly down the ground with speed and precision leaving the Borough with no answers.
Sandringham remained in control in the second term and it was a joy to watch as Mark Jamar controlled the ruck and gave Rigoni, David Gallagher and the ever-present Adam Fisher first use of the ball out of the middle. Brock McLean and Steven Armstrong also gained lots of possessions with McLean in particularly damaging form with his excellent disposal. Nick Smith was a focal point at centre half forward with his strong marking. He wasn't frightened to back into packs and was inspirational on his return from injury.
The slaughter continued into the third quarter with the Sandringham defence well on top. Nathan Carroll was in control of Port's dangerous David Pitt and he ended up among the leading possession getters. He was well supported by Chris Lamb and Ryan Ferguson and, when the ball hit the ground, Walsh and Ward mopped up well. Port Melbourne's fourth goal came on the three quarter time siren leaving it in arrears by 67 points.
With the game well and truly won, a few changes were made and the game became an entertaining goal fest with Sandy kicking five goals to Port's seven. It was the Zebras' third consecutive win over their old rivals following a great qualifying victory in last year's finals and a solid win earlier in the season at TEAC Oval.
Unfortunately, this game was marred to some extent by the report of Gallagher who had been brilliant in the midfield and by some unfortunate byplay between a group of spectators and one particular Borough player who succumbed to the temptation of responding to their catcalls. Fortunately, it was "Bluey Day" and the constabulary were on hand to ensure that the peace was kept and a goodly sum of money was raised for kids with cancer.
The Zebras are now certain of finishing in the top two but they may still end up with an away final if Tasmania can win at the weekend and finish in third place. All eyes will therefore be on the result of the Bendigo Bombers v Tassie game at Queen Elizabeth Oval. Meanwhile, Sandringham will round off the home and away season against the Northern Bullants at Cramer Street.
Sandringham 8.2.50 11.5.71 15.7.97 20.8.128
Port Melbourne 0.2.2 2.4.16 4.6.30 11.9.75
Goals Sautner 6 N Smith 4 McLean 3 Conroy Fisher Jamar Molan O'Keeffe Walsh Ward
Best Carroll Walsh Fisher Sautner Smith Ward Rigoni Lamb Sylvia
The Sandringham Reserves also fought out a top of the table battle but, while the result was a lot closer, it was the visiting team that came away victorious by the narrow margin of 13 points. The game was close all day and the Zebras were well served by Rod Crowe at full back and Andy Mills and Cameron Hunter who all pressed claims for a quick return to the senior side.
I'm not sure if my eyes deceived me but I could have sworn that Aaron Davey spent a good part of the game on the bench.
Sandringham 2.2.14 5.4.34 8.8.56 10.12.72
Port Melbourne 3.1.19 5.6.36 10.12.72 12.13.85
Goals Hunter 3 Carson L Smith Treloar 2 Zantuck
Best Crowe Ott Tabrett Mills Hunter Mann Kight Fletcher
Last Modified on 18/02/2008 14:23