Last weekend, SAINTS.com.au was granted exclusive access behind the scenes at Sandringham’s VFL match against Geelong.

Pre-game meeting

“What is exciting about today?” Sandringham coach Paul Hudson kicks off his pre-match address with a simple question.

‘Opportunity,’ ‘Sunshine’ and ‘winning’ are the first three words bandied around by a youthful looking Sandringham outfit.

Clint Jones, who played 149 games for St Kilda, puts his hand up and explains that a victory would almost certainly lead to a top two finish. Lose, and Sandringham could finish as low as sixth or seven. He’s clearly done his homework. When Jones talks, his teammates listen and even though the Zebras have made seven changes for this match, the JJ Liston Medal favourite remains a constant in the midfield.

Other experienced players Tom Simpkin and Trent Dennis-Lane chime in throughout the 15-minute meeting and Hudson, who is flanked by assistants Lindsay Gilbee and Peta Searle, is just as willing to ask questions as he is to give answers.

He explains in no uncertain terms that a home final rests on this clash, reiterating Jones’ earlier point. He also says with some surprise that there is no wind at Trevor Barker Beach Oval for the first time ever - but that his players ought not to be surprised if it picks up later on in the day. For a few seconds Hudson is a coach as much as he is a meteorologist.  

He spends no more than one minute on Geelong, urging his players to stop the Cats handball-happy game style from defence and round up their loose man – referencing the St Kilda v Geelong draw the night before as an example of how the Cats like to spread from stoppages.

As Hudson finishes speaking, Peta Searle calls the forwards over for a quick meeting, while the rest of the players disperse ahead of the on-ground warm-up to be run by St Kilda’s assistant strength and conditioning manager Marcus Krygger.

In Hudson’s final pre-game speech, he preaches the notion of ‘team’ above all else. “Today it’s not ME, ME, ME,’ he says, ‘no, it’s WE, WE, WE!”

The word “effort” is not mentioned at all pre-game, evidently it’s a given.

Paul Hudson addresses his team pre-match.

Quarter 1

Sandringham 5.3 (33)

Geelong 3.0 (18)

The coaches’ box is cosy and somewhat cramped, but any tightness is offset by a centre wing vantage point that would be the envy of any corporate type on level two at Etihad Stadium. A bar fridge which looks like it has been there since Hudson’s father Peter was playing rests deep in the corner, half-filled by Coke cans and bottles of water.

Sandringham midfield coach Brendan Allen sits on the far left of the bench. Next to the former Southern Football League stalwart is Peta Searle, who looks after the forwards.

Then there is St Kilda player welfare assistant Billymo Wrist, who spends the game with his head buried in his Apple laptop coordinating the rotations. Zebras development coach Peter O’Dea has the whiteboard, while senior coach Hudson and backline coach Gilbee are on the far right of the bench.

Injured rookie Brenton Payne spends the entire game perched at the back of the box on a US diner-style bar stool, while Tom Curren, Blake Acres and Jack Lonie drift in and out throughout the afternoon, as do Saints Academy Manager Simon McPhee and opposition analyst Matt Embling.

The first term is dominated by Sandringham, although a 15-point advantage does not truly reflect the flow of the game.

When Paddy McCartin leads high up the ground and takes a mark on the wing, the words of St Kilda coach Alan Richardson are ringing in the ears of McPhee. Richardson has spoken about his desire to have his prized number one draft pick play deep and Spencer White to play high, and so a message is sent out with precisely this instruction.

Here in lies the delicacies of a VFL alignment. While Hudson and his coaching staff are undoubtedly out to win, there is also a clear focus on player development. A balance is required to achieve both ambitions.

Hudson tells Paddy on the phone when he comes off for a rest ‘Mate, if you’re up the ground, you shouldn’t be. We need you closer to goal. Be dangerous.’

Throughout a free-flowing term Gilbee and Searle chirp various comments, both positive and constructive.

“The physicality has been outstanding,” Gilbee says at one point. “It’s a bloody fast game, but that suits us,” Searle adds optimistically.

Late in the term, the discussion turns to the free kick count, which is heavily weighted in Sandringham’s favour.

“We only had seven free kicks to the Blues 20 last week,” Gilbee observes. “Yes mate,” Huddo replies, “but today we’re first to the ball so they’re looking after us.”

Hudson is interviewed before tha game.

Quarter 2

Sandringham 8.5 (53)

Geelong 5.3 (33)

The coaches box vibe in the second term ramps up a notch, with plenty of healthy debate surrounding Geelong’s rapid counter attacks and Sandringham’s structures.

Early in the piece, McPhee pipes up: “Geelong is smacking us on the spread, Huddo.”

“We need to provide the boys with a solution to our poor entries inside 50. At the moment it’s just not working.”

Hudson heeds McPhee’s advice and sends out a message telling the forwards not to push too high up to the contest, aside from White, who must play as a high half-forward so his opponent can’t drop off and get in McCartin’s way.

After one of Hudson’s messages, McPhee delivers some positive reinforcement him from the back of the box. ‘Good work Huddo, excellent instruction. Well done.’

The role of fifth and sixth (positions that start at half-forward but effectively play as fifth and sixth on-ballers) is debated heavily throughout the term.

Should it be Arryn Siposs? Searle asks. Or should it be Ahmed Saad? Who has demonstrated he can play that role but already has already registered four scoring shots and looks more dangerous than any other forward on the ground.

Before a decision can be made, Siposs clashes heads with Tom Simpkin and is concussed. Both teams break off into separate huddles while the stretcher makes its way out. Although the coaches are concerned with the severity of the head knock, they don’t have time to dwell on his welfare. This is left to Wrist, who hands the rotation responsibility to Football Technology Assistant Chris McKay so he can support Siposs on the way to hospital.

During the lull in play, Gilbee asks if anyone has any lollies, while Hudson requests opposition stats from Matt Embling.

The play resumes, and immediately Hudson laments Sandringham’s third man up troubles. Despite getting first hands on the ball, the Zebras third man up tactic has favoured Geelong, with most of the taps landing in the hands of the Cats’ on-ballers. Hudson scribbles something on his notepad to remind himself at half-time as the siren sounds.

Despite holding the ascendancy, the general feeling is one of missed opportunity. There is plenty of work still to be done.

Hudson and Trent Dennis-Lane discuss tactics at half-time.

Quarter 3

Sandringham 10.11 (71)

Geelong 7.5 (47)

Geelong player Dean Gore’s name is mentioned, to which Lindsay Gilbee replies “Who, Al Gore?” The coaches laugh, because while this is undoubtedly a tense environment, there is always room for a cheap joke or two. At the very least, Gilbee seems impressed with himself. “Put that gag in the article, Tom,” he turns around and tells me.

The Cats are looking to switch the play at every opportunity, according to McPhee. Hudson agrees and sends a message out via runner Tom O’Shaughnessy to tell the forwards to watch for it.

While most of Hudson’s messages are via a corded phone only seen on re-runs of Neighbours from the 1990s, he does occasionally utilise the box’s close proximity to the bench to speak directly to players.

As McCartin is waiting to go on to the field, Hudson says ‘Hey Paddy, use your voice and push all of the forwards up. I don’t care what you say - just tell them to get out of your space.’

McCartin nods his head in agreement and runs onto the field.

At the other end of the box, McPhee is locked in a detailed conversation with Searle about Sandringham’s forward structure. At one stage, the Zebras have 12 inside 50s to two but are yet to kick a goal for the term. ‘The delivery isn’t great,’ Hudson howls, ‘in fact it’s terrible. Not good enough.’

Despite a healthy four-goal lead at three-quarter time, Sandringham is still unable to put Geelong away. Hudson says as much in his radio interview at the break.

Hudson gives instructions to McCartin.

Lindsay Gilbee speaks to his defensive group at three-quarter-time.

Quarter 4

Most of the dialogue this afternoon has been about structures in front of the ball and around the ball, but aided by a healthy lead, the coaches’ box is now discussing who the loose man in defence should be. The consensus is that it should be Mitch Brown, who is enjoying yet another standout game in defence.

Hudson has controlled the phone all day, but five minutes in Gilbee takes it and instructs the runner to tell the defenders to kick long out of defence. ‘None of this short to 50/50 stuff,’ he says.

Gilbee’s role is to be a steadying influence. Hudson rides every bump and tackle, so it’s Gilbee that acts as his right hand man. ‘I try to be a voice of reason,’ he says later. ‘I want to get the simplest message across to the players, without emotion getting in the way. It’s easier said than done though.’

The contest is going the way of Sandringham, but frustrations still exist due to turnover goals.

‘That’s your theme for the week,’ McPhee says. ‘We butcher it and can’t afford to do that in finals.’

As the game ticks into red time, Hudson reminds everyone that a home final is on the line.

Gilbee mentions a young Sandringham-listed player that could be destined for an AFL list next year. ‘Put him in a full-time system and watch him flourish,’ he says.

‘He doesn’t see the game like you did,’ Hudson replies.

‘Not many did!’ Gilbee laughs.

And with that, the final siren sounds. Sandringham’s finals destiny remains in its own hands. Second spot is pencilled in, with a win against Casey Scorpions in round 20 certain to sew up a qualifying final encounter at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

The coaches shake hands, Hudson says a quick hello to his parents on the way back to the rooms, and from then the attention turns to the Zebras next challenge. 

Hudson and his parents at the game.

SANDRINGHAM 5.3 8.5 10.11 14.17 (101)

GEELONG 3.0 5.3 7.5 11.7 (73)

GOALS: Saad 4, McCartin 2, Kreymborg 2, Ong, Weickhardt, Le Grice, Simpkin, Markworth, White.

BEST: Saad, Jones, Cook, Simpkin, Le Grice, Kreymborg.

Daniel Markworth and Hudson have a discussion.

 Hudson and McCartin post-game.

Sandringham sing the song.

Peta Searle and two children after the game.

From left to right: Matt Embling, Peta Searle, Paul Hudson and Brendan Allen.