Sandringham has continued its winning pre-season record by producing a resounding 141-point defeat of last year’s grand finalists the Box Hill Hawks at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.
Despite a six-point lead to the home side at the first break and an even contest, the floodgates opened thereafter, beginning with a seven-goal to one second term.
The big 48-point half-time lead for the Zebras only increased as the game wore on, with the home side’s dominance a clear threat for the opposition.
A twelve-goal to one third term gave Box Hill plenty to think about heading into three quarter time, as the margin blew out to an astonishing 118-points.
A five-goal to one last quarter finished the Hawks off, which included three of skipper Trent Dennis-Lane’s six goals for the game and Paddy McCartin’s seventh.
St Kilda’s Darren Minchington (44 disposals, 3 goals), Paddy McCartin (25 disposals, 15 marks, 7 goals), Tim Membrey (17 disposals, 11 marks, 4 goals), and Jack Sinclair (27 disposals, 4 goals) were all standouts putting their names up for AFL selection in Alan Richardson’s senior side.
St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with the way his team went about today’s win, but says he has his eyes firmly fixed on round one.
“I was really proud in the way our boys played against quality opposition, despite the overwhelming margin which we’re sure won’t be so astronomical in round one,” Hudson told saints.com.au.
“We expect Box Hill to field a different side to today in two weeks time, when the season kicks off.
“We’ve had a really solid pre-season and with Williamstown away next week, we expect that to be a good test for us heading into round one.”
Sandringham hit the road next Saturday 2nd April for their final practice match before the season proper, taking on Williamstown at Burbank Oval.
SCOREBOARD
SANDRINGHAM 3.4 10.10 22.14 27.15 (181)
BOX HILL HAWKS 2.4 3.4 4.4 5.4 (34)
GOALS: McCartin 7, Dennis-Lane 6, Sinclair 4, Membrey 4, Minchington 3, Murdoch 2, Payne 2, Holmes, Pierce.
BEST: Minchington, McCartin, Membrey, Sinclair, Dennis-Lane.