Sandringham is back on the winners list following a seven-goal haul from St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin, resulting in a 20-point victory over Collingwood at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday.

Along with 10 marks inside 50, McCartin gave the Sandringham midfield a strong target to kick to with Jack Lonie often at his feet and providing good defensive pressure.

The Zebras blew the Magpies away early, kicking the first five goals and had a 31-point lead at the 12-minute mark before Collingwood hit the scoreboard.

With a seven goal to two opening term, it gave coach Lindsay Gilbee plenty to like about the 32-point lead at quarter time.

The Zebras maintained the advantage in the second term with five goals to McCartin’s name and a 37-point lead at the main break.

Collingwood matched the home side with four goals apiece after half-time, but the early first half damage appeared too much at the last change with the Zebras holding a 40-point lead.

The Magpies hit the Zebras hard in the final term after a lacklustre three quarters, but an inaccurate 3.11 hurt them while the home side could only manage the one goal to get away with the win.

Who stood out?

St Kilda key forward Paddy McCartin was the clear standout with seven goals, ten marks and 18 disposals to again push his case for an AFL recall.

Nathan Wright was another to earn praise from coach Lindsay Gilbee, amassing 25 disposals and a team high nine tackles to step up in the absence of captain Tom Curren and the AFL recalls of Koby Stevens and Jack Sinclair.

Luke Dunstan was really strong through the midfield to finish with 25 disposals and seven tackles in a game that Gilbee described as “Dunstan-like”.

Jack Lonie also impressed with two goals but it was his defensive efforts that the Zebras would’ve been delighted with, highlighted by his seven tackles and 25 disposals.

Defender Brandon White was solid in the back half intercepting Collingwood forward thrusts and the run of Shane Savage was influential, finishing with a game-high 29 disposals.

Stats that matter

Despite Sandringham allowing Collingwood back into the game after half-time, VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee would’ve been pleased with his side’s efficiency, which was the difference in the end result.

The Zebras kicked 17.11 for the game while the Magpies finished with an inefficient 12.21, including what would’ve been a frustrating 3.11 in the final term for coach Jared Rivers.

The Pies had their chances and finished with 63 inside 50s, compared to the Zebras’ 48, but the story of the day was efficiency when it mattered.