Sandringham has recorded its first win of the VFL season, defeating Footscray by 28-points in front of a home crowd at Trevor Barker oval.
The opening term was a goalfest, with nine goals kicked between the two sides in exciting displays of attacking football fans love to see at any level of competition.
The Zebras put to bed the slow starts, kicking the first major of the match before the Dogs excited with their quick and precise ball movement to take a four-point lead at quarter-time.
The second term was goal-for-goal, much like the first, and there was not much in it at the long break.
The Zebras took advantage after half-time, outscoring the Dogs eight goals to four in the third term to set up an enticing last quarter.
Despite conceding two straight goals to begin the second half, the home side turned momentum their way with a five goal burst in the space of ten minutes to hit the lead by 19-points at the 20 minute mark.
By three quarter time, the Zebras held a decisive 26-point buffer.
With a passionate plea from the coach at the last change, the Zebras held momentum and contained the Dogs’ desperate runs forward to win the quarter three goals to one.
Footscray won the inside 50 count 61-54, yet it was Sandringham’s ability to make the most of their opportunities going forward that put grins on the faces of the home crowd.
Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson made mention of that fact post-match and how pleased he was for his side to rebound after the Round 1 loss to the Box Hill Hawks two weeks ago.
“Our focus was to start well and not to be too far behind, which we achieved. To also gather momentum and find a way to win was really pleasing also,” Hudson told saints.com.au.
“We got on top in many of the key areas and making the most of our opportunities was really important for us. It was terrific to deliver on those goals we set out for today.
“We had a lot of guys step up and play their role which was terrific. Matt Kreymborg (26 disposals, 4 goals), Jade Gresham (31 disposals, 1 goal), Eli Templeton (32 disposals, 1 goal) and Tom Curren (32 disposals, 3 goals) played really well for us.”
Hudson also made special mention to Tom Lee and Darren Minchington, who have been rewarded with AFL selection in Alan Richardson’s St Kilda side following strong VFL form.
“Its quite simply reward for hard and strong effort. Both Tom Lee and Darren Minchington have worked tirelessly on their own game and they only become better footballers as a result.”
Sandringham play away next week in round four of the VFL when they face Richmond at the ME Bank Centre next Saturday at 4:30pm.
SCOREBOARD
SANDRINGHAM 4.4 8.4 16.5 18.9 (117)
FOOTSCRAY 5.2 7.7 11.9 12.17 (89)
GOALS: Kreymborg 4, Curren 3, Membrey 2, Shenton 2, Pierce 2, Answerth, Cook, Gresham, Templeton, Longer.
BEST: Kreymborg, Curren, Gresham, Templeton, Goddard.
