SANDRINGHAM has caused the upset of the season, defeating ladder leaders Werribee by 40 points at Trevor Barker Beach oval.
In a match where the Zebras started and finished strongly, it was the likes of Mitch Brown (29 disposals, 13 marks, 2 goals) and AFL-listed Saint Josh Saunders (4 goals, 23 disposals) that led by example.
Brown was often used behind the ball to quell the Werribee attacking talls, while Saunders showcased his breakaway speed to push his name for an AFL appearance in Alan Richardson's team.
An entertaining first quarter saw eight goals kicked between the two sides, with North Melbourne-listed tall Majak Daw causing damage to the Zebras' defence.
Round 7: VFL stats
It was Daw's three goals along with the Tigers' fast ball movement which gave them a two-point lead at quarter time.
One concern for the home side was the concussion to key forward Paddy McCartin, who left the ground before the first break.
The St Kilda-listed player will receive tests this week and be treated accordingly in the lead up to next Saturday's clash with North Ballarat.
Paul Hudson employed his Zebras to bring "strong, aggressive footy" in the quarter-time address, which is exactly what they brought.
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The home side kept the Tigers goalless in the second term, with several key moments highlighting the aggressive nature in their style of play, resulting in a ten-point half-time lead.
One key moment was a fierce tackle from Josh Saunders on a Werribee defender deep in the Zebras' forward-line, resulting in the easiest of shots on goal.
The weather turned at the main break, bringing windy conditions and rain that made the third quarter a real scrappy affair.
The Tigers threatened the Zebras early and when key defender Hugh Goddard went down clutching his knee after a marking contest, the home crowd feared the worst.
Luckily for the home side he returned and ran out the game with great resilience.
Just when it looked like the visitors may outrun the gallant Zebras, Paul Hudson's men got the break they needed with back-to-back goals to St Kilda-listed pair Tim Membrey and Tom Curren.
The siren sounded for three quarter time with the home side 15 points ahead at the last change.
The Tigers challenged early in the last but the Zebras stood tall again, kicking five unanswered goals to run away with a 40-point win.
St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with his team’s desire and determination in the morale-boosting victory.
"It was a fantastic win," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.
"Werribee are on top of the ladder and a quality outfit so to beat them on our home deck was terrific.
"We were really able to bring a strong, aggressive game from start and finish which was the most pleasing aspect.
"Hugh Goddard was really solid again and Josh Saunders stepped up as well.
"Jason Holmes and Lewis Pierce were outstanding against the Werribee ruckmen in Dan Currie and Majak Daw, who are in good form. That was really encouraging."
St Kilda pair Ahmed Saad and Spencer White were both rested and will be considered for next Saturday's game against North Ballarat at Eureka Stadium.
SANDRINGHAM 4.2 7.5 9.8 15.11 (101)
WERRIBEE 4.4 4.7 6.11 8.13 (61)
GOALS: Saunders 4, Curren 3, Brown 2, Membrey, Minchington, Neiwand, Pierce, Ross, Ray.
BEST: Saunders, Goddard, Brown, Holmes, Ray.
