The Zebras had the better of the first quarter gaining great drive from Mark Jamar in the ruck and Scott Thompson who led a strong midfield contingent. Ezra Poyas was the main beneficiary leading well and kicking accurately. He was proving a most dangerous foil to the bigger forwards in Nick Smith and Luke Molan who were finding restricted space to manoeuvre. The Bombers were able to find space across half forward and made the most of their opportunities early before the Zebra defence found their rhythm.
The big “Russian” dominated the ruck and took several powerful marks in the back half highlighting his great improvement as a result of a strong pre-season. He imposed himself on the game to the point that the Bendigo little men were sharking his tap outs. It was when he was rested in the second quarter that the Bombers were able to gain important centre clearances.
Jared Rivers continued his outstanding pre-season form and became the best defender on the ground taking many marks and gathering countless possessions with poise and cool judgement to find targets further afield. Brad Miller defended well at centre half back on a day when key forwards couldn’t dominate despite the gentle breeze. Nathan Carroll had his work cut out deep in defence, conceding several centimeters to the much taller Jason Laycock.
Nick Smith proved a good target up forward for the Zebras, taking a number of towering marks often coming from the side and could have been more effective with a little more protection from the umpires. Aaron Rogers led strongly out of the goal square but with several talls in the Sandy forward line, he had to find space in the pockets. Daniel Breese came on in the third quarter and was quite dynamic for a while in setting up several goals despite his limited ground time. He reflected Sandy’s lift in intensity during this period culminating in a 19 point lead at three quarter time.
Guy Rigoni who had been solid and creative up to this point, found it difficult to get clear in the last term. The Zebras moved the ball forward often enough and defended grimly but found avenues to goal hard to come by. They could have used a small, quick, crumbing forward several times throughout the game as Bendigo were able to clear too often once the ball hit the ground.
In the end it was a disappointing result given the quality of the personnel on hand and the periods of supremacy the Zebras enjoyed, but there is much to build on and Sandringham should gain valuable experience and become a force as the season progresses.
Sandringham 6.6.42 9.9.63 15.12.102 15.15.105
Bendigo Bombers 4.0.24 11.4.70 13.5.83 16.12.1018
Goals: Poyas 4, Oakley 3, Wilson 2, Rogers 2, Smith, Rigoni, Thompson, Gallagher
Reserves
Sandringham reserves couldn’t have wished for a better start than to open their account with a 157 point annihilation of Springvale. With most players available, the Zebras were able to field 4 Demons who all starred in a magnificent all round team effort.
Gun midfielder and rookie Demon Adam Fisher was simply outstanding with his uncanny ability to always be in the action anywhere on the ground. He was ably supported by a dynamic Daniel Bell across half forward and a rampaging Cameron Hunter in defence. Dale Carson was the focal point as a quick leading full forward and was instrumental in several goals besides his tally of 3.2.
The only down side was an injury to young ruckman Julian Black who was carried from the ground on a stretcher after seriously injuring his knee in a marking contest, which saw Cameron Hunter pull down a screamer. It may be a little premature to judge how good this team will be this season as Springvale are something of an unknown quantity, but there is plenty of talent at coach Mark Sarau’s disposal, and Melbourne fans can watch with some enthusiasm the progress of some very talented youngsters.
Sandringham 4.4.28 11.12.78 18.15.123 28.26.194
Springvale 2.3.15 2.4.16 3.7.25 5.7.37
Goals: Fisher 5, Haynes 4, Gadsen 3, Bell 3, Carson 3, Hayward 2,Warnock 2, Perrett 2, Ferraro, Bristow, Howarth, Kane
