In perfect conditions at Trevor Barker Oval, an improving Sandringham turned it on with an emphatic drubbing of last year’s VFL premiers Geelong. After an even first term, the Zebras intensified their defensive pressure and found plenty of run through the midfield allowing half the side to get among the goals.
The big “Russian” Mark Jamar held sway in the ruck all day, gaining the ascendancy over a difficult and much taller opponent in Peter Street. He completely took over in the second half when the Cats’ giant left the field with what appeared to be a knee injury. Jamar’s
dominance gave Sandy’s powerful midfield contingent first use of the ball.
Scott Thompson led the group having a fine game picking up possessions at will and tackling fiercely and often. He was supported admirably by David Gallagher, Mark Ainley, David Robbins, Chad Liddell and Paul Wheatley, the latter’s skills showing a marked improvement from last week. Another slashing game from “Slash” Gary Moorcroft both in the midfield and up forward netted five big ones and seemingly a certain Melbourne recall.
The redoubtable Zebra backline led from the front and were a tight, cohesive unit, able to always find the right balance between defence and attack. Brad Miller at centre half back beat a couple of opponents and was notable for some fine clearing dashes in support of some good defensive work. Chris Lamb was as usual dependable and didn’t give an inch and Jared Rivers continued his promise with another assured display. They were well supported by Damien Lynch, Josh Radford and Heath Tregear who showed great dash early in kicking 2 goals.
Nick Smith opened the scoring with a long goal, but at times had some trouble in timing his leaps when flying for marks. Aaron Rogers provided a handy option, while Luke Molan exerted plenty of defensive pressure up forward but didn’t have many scoring opportunities. Ezra Poyas was always busy presenting well and Adam Fisher underlined his potential with another lively performance.
This was a win of great satisfaction, a fine team effort underlying a deal of keenness for the task at hand and the confidence to go about it competitively, fearlessly and competently.
Sandringham: 6.2.38 12.7.79 15.12.102 21.16.142
Geelong: 6.1.37 7.6.48 9.8.62 12.11.83
Goals:Moorcroft 5, Tregear 2, Wheatley 2, Rogers 2, Thompson 2
Jamar 2, Ainley, Poyas, Oakley, Smith, Gallagher, Fisher
Sandringham reserves suffered their first defeat to a harder running, more committed and more efficient Northern Bullants combination. The Zebras had no answer to burly full forward Scott Grainger and the Bullants were also well served by senior players Jim Plunkett and former Demon Matt Collins.
Sandy fought back gamely from a 33 point deficit to be in touch at 3 quarter time and after a see-sawing final term where the lead changed a number of times, the Bullants drew away for a well-earned victory.
Dale Carson proved dangerous early with 2 goals but found opportunities harder to come by later on. Daniel Breese was a target both at centre half forward and centre half back and Cameron Hunter was again lively at half back. Michael Clark worked hard on his wing, Nick Walsh battled dutifully against the odds in defence while Daniel Bell was unable to exert enough influence on the game to turn it Sandringham’s way.
The Zebras didn’t play badly, but needed a more even performance and greater intensity in order to defeat an opponent of this quality. Hopefully it will be a good lesson learned.
Sandringham: 4.1.25 7.4.46 13.8.86 17.10.112
Northern Bullants: 5.3.33 11.5.71 14.9.93 20.10.130
Goals:S. Radford 2, Hayward 2, Howarth 2, Carson 2, Ferraro,
Bristow, Jacotine, Conroy, Grant, Clark, Treloar, Lewski,
Bell
