A resurgent Sandringham has forced GWS to split the points at Blacktown International Sportspark, whittling away a 20-point deficit at the final change to the level scores at 8.11 (59) apiece.

Back-to-back last-quarter goals from Dean Kent (two goals) plus handy additions from Cooper Sharman (three) and Jack Bytel unexpectedly thrust the Zebras back in the contest, which up until then had seen the Giants hold steady control over the previously dour proceedings.

A desperate dive on the behind line from Ryan Byrnes to force the ball over the boundary line with a minute left to play kept scores tied, with the siren sounding moments later in Sandringham’s attacking arc. 

Byrnes, who has been St Kilda’s unused medical sub for the past fortnight, was a standout with 34 disposals (18 contested) and 11 clearances, while Blake Watson (23 disposals, 11 tackles, 10 clearances), Kent and Bytel (22 disposals, five clearances) were just as important through the middle.

Jake Riccardi (17 disposals, 10 marks, two goals), Bailey Stewart (25 disposals) and ruckman Kieren Briggs (36 hit-outs, eight clearances) were the biggest threats throughout the day, but were unable to stem the Zebras' stirring revival after three-quarter time. 

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Both sides were evenly matched on paper for most of the afternoon, with GWS’ cleaner chains of possession and sleeker movement hitting targets up forward a telling factor. Sandringham looked a step behind the pace at times as its passages of play unravelled – often unforced –  at the final kick into attack, with any fluid cut-throughs ending in minor scores.

But the Zebras managed to rally in the last stanza, and spurred by Kent’s injection into the middle (25 disposals, nine inside-50s, two goals) and Max Heath's competitiveness in the guts (20 hit-outs), had the home side scrambling to restore its advantage.

Sharman snagged three in his best outing of the year, Tom Highmore (30 disposals, seven marks) steadied the defensive end alongside Leo Connolly (25 disposals), while Jack Peris looked dangerous coming off half-back to finish with 21 touches.

Connolly, Bytel and Watson each had chances to boot majors on the run in the twilight stages of the game, with their minor scores nevertheless vital in the overall result.

Jarryn Geary (20 disposals) returned from his concussion/back complaint with no issue to spend majority of time on the wing opposite Matthew Allison, but the Zebras were dealt a late blow with Bytel assisted from the ground after copping a knock in a marking contest.

Byrnes saves best for last

Ryan Byrnes hasn't seen much on-field action having been St Kilda's unused medical sub for the past fortnight. But it didn't look like he'd missed a beat, with the 20-year-old turning it on in his home state to spearhead the Zebras' shock comeback alongside Dean Kent, Blake Watson and Jack Bytel. Byrnes finished with 32 disposals and a whopping 11 clearances, but saved his most important touch for last after knocking the ball out of play with scores tied up and just a smidge over a minute of play remaining. 

Blink and you'll miss him

It's no secret that Jack Peris comes equipped with some serious wheels, yet today's display had onlookers leaning forward in their seats that little bit more. The Category B Rookie had 19 touches at Blacktown, but it was the way he left opposition forwards in his wake to create half-chances which was the most eye-catching. A deft, mid-air kick – which hit Cooper Sharman square on the chest – from a brutish Max Heath tap will go straight in the highlights reel, but Peris' less glamorous final quarter act was all the more important. A GWS charge from stoppage was halted by the lightly built defender with a front-on tackle, forcing another ball-up and another chance for Sandringham to launch another assault.

Highmore knocking on the door

Breaking into St Kilda's backline in 2022, even in the absence of Nick Coffield, is proving harder than expected. Tom Highmore's 29-disposal performance would have done his chances at sneaking back in no harm however, with his cool head under pressure persevering in numerous moments throughout the day. Highmore had 11 touches in the first quarter, with his intercept work preventing the Giants from billowing out the margin and putting a favourable result out of Sandringham's reach. The mature-age Canberran lined up for 13 matches last season after joining the club at pick No. 45 in that year's National Draft.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY  2.4. 6.7  7.9  8.11 (59)
SANDRINGHAM  1.4  3.5  4.7  8.11 (59)

GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Riccardi 2, Fleeton, Green, Hebron, Grintell, Monaghan, Monti
Sandringham: Sharman 3, Kent 2, Bytel, Heath, Lowe

BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Riccardi, Hamilton, Stewart, Briggs, Fahey, Peatling
Sandringham: Byrnes, Kent, Watson, Highmore, Peris, Bytel, Sharman