SANDRINGHAM has defeated Port Melbourne by seven points in front of a stunned Borough crowd at North Port oval.

The impressive win puts the Zebras at six wins and three losses, just out of the top four heading into the bye.

St Kilda pair Daniel Markworth (9 disposals, 5 marks, 1 goal) and Arryn Siposs (11 disposals, 1 goal) got through the game unscathed in their comeback from long injury layoffs, a positive for Alan Richardson and his AFL coaching team.

Key forward Paddy McCartin (3 goals, 5 marks) worked hard until copping a knock to the head late in the third quarter, forcing him from the field.

Usual defender Hugh Goddard (9 disposals, 4 marks, 2 goals) started forward for the Zebras and Mitch Brown (27 disposals, 8 marks, 1 goal) in defence, proving a masterstroke by Paul Hudson.

It was an entertaining first quarter with six goals kicked between the two sides, with Port holding sway by six points at quarter time.

The Zebras came to play which was highlighted by the ferocious tackling pressure led by midfield leaders Adam Cockie (27 disposals, 15 tackles, 5 marks) and Clinton Jones (31 disposals, 9 tackles), who read the ruck work of Jason Holmes (13 disposals, 3 tackles, 3 marks) perfectly. 

The Borough hit back with three goals in a second quarter, whereas the visitors put through another five of their own to hit the lead by eight points at the main break.

In a pleasing sight for Saints' fans, Daniel Markworth hit the scoreboard with a confidence boosting goal and Arryn Siposs got involved setting up Paddy McCartin with his first major.

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The Zebras stretched the home side's defence when the second half got underway, starting McCartin, Goddard and ruckman Lewis Pierce in attack. 

The Borough responded with two of their own until Siposs broke the drought for the visitors with a great running goal to put them one point ahead 14 minutes into the third term.

The home side challenged again to kick two late goals, bringing them to a five-point break at three quarter time.

A frantic last quarter got the crowd up and about, with three lead changes and both sides tied on 96 apiece at the 20-minute mark.

Two behinds by the Zebras gave them a two-point buffer but when a free kick 15 metres out was given to Port Melbourne's Sam O'Sullivan, it looked likely to be a goal and a home side win. Under pressure he missed, taking the margin back to one point.

A crucial forward thrust by the Zebras found Ahmed Saad (3 goals, 18 disposals, 10 tackles) who in turn spotted a free man in Mitch Brown running into the open goal and a seven point break.

Saad again found himself involved in the centre square, earning a free kick for another tackle and setting up a set shot goal for Eli Templeton (2 goals, 15 disposals, 7 tackles).

The margin extended to 13 points but a late goal got the Borough back within 7 points with the clock just over 30 minutes gone.

Seconds later the siren sounded and the jubilation was evident for the Zebras in a stunning finish.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was full of praise for his players following the seven point win.

"It was a fantastic effort," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"With the bye next week we came to give our all to Port Melbourne and we got the result we wanted. Daniel Markworth and Arryn Siposs coming back from injury really contributed well and our leaders stood up also.

"We believe our best can match it with anyone and wins like today prove the belief and confidence is there to do that. We'll enjoy the break and be ready for Footscray in two weeks time".

Sandringham has the VFL bye next weekend but will return to Trevor Barker Beach oval to host Footscray on Sunday, June 28. Remember it's free entry for all St Kilda members.

PORT MELBOURNE 4.3 7.4 12.6 16.7 (103)

SANDRINGHAM 3.3 8.6 11.7 16.14 (110)

GOALS: McCartin 3, Saad 3, Goddard 2, Dennis-Lane 2, Templeton 2, Brown, Markworth, Siposs, Pierce.

BEST: Cockie, Saad, Brown, Lee, Holmes