A nine-goal-to-two second half from Footscray has been rewarded with a dominant 6.6 (42) to 13.18 (96) victory over Sandringham at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
After just three points separated the two evenly matched sides at the major break, the Dogs broke free of their leash to kick eight unanswered majors either side of three-quarter time and put the result beyond doubt.
The Zebras – who had several AFL-listed players on restricted game-time due to Friday’s upcoming match against the Western Bulldogs – struggled to escape their defensive half in the second half, with the Bulldogs’ midfielders and forwards applying relentless pressure on the Sandringham defence.
Josh Bruce (four goals), Joel Garner (two) and Lachlan McNeil (two) were influential in the Bulldogs’ offensive blitz, while Lachlan Sullivan (33 disposals, 10 clearances) was dominant in the middle to give his side first use at stoppages as the contested affair opened up after half-time.
Leo Connolly was exceptional for the Zebras coming out of defence, collecting 27 disposals and 10 marks, while Ryan Byrnes (25 disposals, seven tackles, nine clearances) was a standout around the ball in the first half, also bobbing up with a major from the pocket.
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Big man Tom Campbell (one goal, 24 disposals, 32 hit outs) battled hard in the ruck after copping a head knock from a sling tackle, while Ben Paton (24 disposals, five tackles) and Darby Hipwell (two goals, 19 disposals, seven tackles) provided spark throughout the contest for the Zebras.
Jarrod Lienert (19 disposals, 11 rebound-50s) was solid in an under-pressure Sandringham defence as speedster Jack Peris put together another impressive performance, tallying 21 touches.
Tall forward Cooper Sharman (15 disposals, six marks) found himself in unfamiliar territory throughout the afternoon, assuming a key defensive post to bring some much-needed height to the Zebras' undersized brigade.
Young ruckman Max Heath (12 disposals, 11 hit outs) was busy early, as was Matthew Allison (12 disposals, six marks). Ben Long (12 disposals) and Oscar Adams (five disposals) were quiet in a tough game for Sandringham, with the latter returning for the first time since Round 7 after a disc issue in his back.
The Bulldogs were dealt a bitter blow following an ankle injury to Hayden Crozier, while Jake Lohmann was also assessed for an ankle injury in the first term.
The fourth consecutive defeat leaves Sandringham in 12th position on the ladder as it continues to chase a return to the top-eight in the latter stages of the VFL season.
A chance to return to the winners list will present itself next Saturday, with Coburg at Piranha Park next up for Sandringham.
SANDRINGHAM 2.0 4.4 5.5 6.6 (42)
FOOTSCRAY 2.4 4.7 9.13 13.18 (96)
GOALS
Sandringham Hipwell 2, Byrnes, Campbell, Carey, Lok
Footscray Bruce 4, Garner, McNeil 2, Craig-Peters, Darcy, McLean, Smith, Stretton
BEST
Sandringham Connolly, Campbell, Byrnes, Paton, Hipwell, Lienert
Footscray Sullivan, McLean, Bruce, Macpherson, Garner, Drummond, Darcy, Cordy
