It was a game that suited running players rather than marking forwards, and none played better than former Demon rookie David Robbins. A dynamo in the midfield with relentless running and strong marking, he was ably assisted by David Gallagher and Chad Liddell with Demons Ezra Poyas, Michael Clark and Gary Moorcroft prominent, all displaying great courage and industry.
Interestingly Jared Rivers impressed across half forward presenting well and working tirelessly to keep the ball alive in the forward half. He also marked strongly, featuring with a fine pack mark deep in the pocket in the 2nd quarresulting in an accurate angle goal. Daniel Bell joined the midfield in the 2nd term from interchange, and remained on the ground improving steadily as he found the rhythm of the game to become an integral player in the last quarter, displaying impressive strength and doggedness in the packs.
Chris Lamb and Nathan Carroll held sway in defence, and both found their way up forward during the course of the game, Lamb especially able to keep a tight rein on Coburg Skipper Dean Talbot who has troubled Sandy in past encounters. They were well supported once again by Damian Lynch, Peter Walsh and the consistent Josh Radford. A shaven-headed Daniel Breese came off the bench and was conspicuous in the last term positioning himself well in defence, and marking and clearing well as Coburg threatened to get back into the game.
Opportunities were limited for marking forwards and so both Nick Smith and Luke Molan were unable to dominate, but their contributions were no less insignificant. Smith in particular rucked quite effectively in the final quarter after Chris Bryan left the ground with a knock to the ankle. He had battled resolutely against an apparently frustrated, more experienced opponent in Paddy Steinfort who had seemed to have taken “angry pills.”
It was a game where the score line often belied the fierceness of the contest and the Zebras can be commended for maintaining their concentration throughout and not allowing Coburg consistent scoring opportunities and a regular avenue to goal. It was a fine effort all round which would give coach Graeme Yeats much satisfaction and the team some momentum in tackling the Tassie Devils next week in Launceston.
Sandringham 5.7.37 7.9.51 13.12.90 14.17.101
Coburg Tigers 0.2.2 3.5.23 6.5.41 7.11.53
Goals:Robbins 2, Poyas 2, Haynes 2, Rivers 2, Liddell 2, Tregear, Molan, Bell, Gallagher
Reserves
In the reserves game Coburg opened with the wind but Sandringham made the most of their opportunities with accuracy in front of goal. This deserted them in the 2nd term however as their dominance of the contest could not be translated onto the scoreboard. They were more accurate in the second half and could have won by a far more.
Dale Carson at full forward was the main target, and despite a couple of gift goals, made full use of the good play upfield by booting 8 big ones and showing a fine ability to meet the ball at speed and use it effectively. Aaron Rogers was a hard working centre half forward and complemented the excellent work of the strong Zebra midfield led by Adam Fisher and Barnaby Howarth. Fisher notably stepped up a gear in the 2nd half to once again play a dominant role. He was well backed up by Leigh Fletcher, Andrew Treloar and Matthew Gadsen.
The feisty Lachlan Oakley returned impressively after injury, his poise and experience a feature across half forward and was well supported by Alastair Richarson. Cameron Hunter impressed with a lively and courageous display and Alistair Nicholson was steady in heading a miserly and resolute Sandringham defence.
Sandy reserves continue with their good form and despite losing courageous and hard working rover Jason Bristow with a broken leg, appear to be headed for significant September action.
Sandringham 5.1.31 8.14.62 12.17.89 20.25.145
Coburg Tigers 5.2.32 6.2.38 9.4.58 11.4.70
Goals: Carson 8, Oakley 3, Richardson 2, Gadsen 2, Conroy, Rogers, Hunter, Fisher, Fletcher
