Five Dan Butler goals - three of which came in a pulsating final-quarter surge - has steered Sandringham to a tough victory over North Melbourne in a see-sawing affair at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The Zebras looked set for a comfortable finish after two early goals through Mitch Riordan and Chris Carey until the Kangaroos kicked the last three of the third term to set up a grandstand finish.
An early fourth-quarter goal to the visitors handed them the lead for the first time of the afternoon before Sandringham responded with six unanswered majors to run out victors 16.10 (106) to 11.6 (72).
The latest win extends the Zebras' winning streak to four straight victories, moving them to third on the ladder with a 6-2-1 ledger.
In a day of scrappy, contested football, it was Dan Butler's five goals and 23 disposals which stole the show, with three of his majors coming in the final term to seal the win. A strong overhead mark and snap on the run midway through the fourth quarter snatched back North's short - albeit dangerous - advantage, before utilising his speed through congestion and in space to hammer home two more late.
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Big man Tom Campbell (51 hit-outs, 23 disposals, 11 clearances, one goal) continued his great form in the VFL, dominating the ruck battle against his former side to give the midfield silver service throughout the day.
It was to the benefit of Jack Billings (25 disposals, one goal) who responded with a classy performance in the midfield that proved too much for the inexperienced Kangaroos' midfield, leaving Blake Watson’s workmanlike 31 disposals, 11 clearances and seven tackles to lead the way inside.
Experienced duo Jarrod Lienert (21 disposals, seven marks) and Jarryn Geary (23 disposals, one goal) held down the fort in defence, with the latter moving into the midfield in the last quarter to exceptional effect.
Youngster Jack Peris showed some serious skill and speed for the Zebras from his 17 touches, while Matthew Allison constantly provided an option in attack throughout the day to finish with a goal to his name.
Sandringham has its second scheduled bye next week, with all eyes on its Round 12 clash against Southport at Fankhauser Reserve.
SANDRINGHAM 5.0 8.4 10.8 16.10 (106)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.3 5.5 10.6 11.6 (72)
GOALS
Sandringham: Butler 5, Carey 3, Hipwell 2, Allison, Billings, Campbell, Geary, McHale, Riordan
North Melbourne: Comben 3, Mitchell-Russell, Monkhorst, Walker 2, Howard, Tyson
BEST
Sandringham: Butler, Campbell, Watson, Billings, Geary, Hipwell, Lienert
North Melbourne: McGuiness, Hore, Answerth, Tyson, Comben, Bosenavluagi
