A strong return outing from Dan Hannebery has helped steer Sandringham to victory over a fast-finishing Coburg this afternoon at Piranha Park.

The 31-year-old put on a clinic in the middle of the ground in his first competitive outing since overcoming a series of calf issues, brushing off the cobwebs early to finish with 29 disposals and five clearances in just over three quarters of football. 

Hannebery’s cleanliness and foot skills around the contest were eye-catching all afternoon despite the harsh conditions and limited game-time, with his efforts culminating in a vital 28-point win for Sandringham.

After a seesawing first half, six unanswered majors in the third term for the Zebras helped secure the 9.7 (61) to 12.17 (89) result to keep them within reach of the top-eight.

With both sides having high-scoring terms with the wind, Sandringham held on to a six-point lead going into the major break before holding the home side scoreless in the third term to push the margin out to 35 points.

VFL MATCH CENTRE: View all news, stats and videos from Round 17

Kicking into the strong breeze and conceding the first three majors of the final term, the Zebras held strong around the contest and were rewarded with Chris Carey and Ollie Lowe slotting the last two goals of the game to push Sandringham over the line.

Lowe was exceptional inside the attacking 50 for the Zebras, slotting four crucial majors to go along with 18 disposals and eight marks - plus some incredible individual efforts - to set up teammates in front of goal.

Shouldering the ruck load after youngster Max Heath was ruled out early after a head knock, Tom Campbell (26 disposals, 45 hit outs, 14 clearances) was sensational for Sandringham, with the big man also slotting a monster set shot goal after the three-quarter time siren in a crucial moment for the Zebras. 

After missing the past eight weeks due to a foot injury, Jack Bytel (25 disposals, five marks, six clearances) was instrumental in the midfield. The 22-year-old played in the last three quarters of the contest after being held out of the opening term. 

Defensive stalwart Jarrod Lienert (22 disposals, six marks) was composed in defence alongside Darragh Joyce (16 disposals, four marks) as they withstood Coburg’s offensive surge in the final term. 

Darby Hipwell (25 disposals, four marks) and Leo Connolly (18 disposals, four marks) continued their good form in the VFL, while Matthew Allison (nine touches, five tackles) and Oscar Adams (six disposals) battled hard throughout the contest.

The victory breaks Sandringham's run of four consecutive losses to push them back into the finals race, with Jake Batchelor’s side momentarily sitting in ninth, just two points off the top-eight halfway through Round 17.

The Zebras will host Port Melbourne next Sunday at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval as they eye off a second consecutive victory. 

COBURG 1.1 6.3 6.4 9.7 (61)
SANDRINGHAM 5.6 6.9 10.15 12.17 (89)

GOALS
Coburg Nelson 3, D’Intinosante, McEvoy 2, Boucher, Gillard
Sandringham Lowe 4, Campbell, Carey, Dunell, Henness, Hodgson, Lok, Sinclair, Watson 

BEST
Coburg Gillard, Nelson, Walker, McEvoy, Gentile
Sandringham Hannebery, Campbell, Lowe, Bytel, Lienert, Hipwell