SANDRINGHAM has gone down to a strong Collingwood outfit at Victoria Park, a 10-point margin in difficult conditions.

On a cold and wet afternoon, the Pies were switched on early and withheld the Zebras who finished strongly.

 A six-goal to two opening quarter showcased the intent of the home side, who were dominant in general play and held a commanding 27-point lead at quarter time.

The second term didn't start well for the visitors either, the Pies extending their lead to 33 points five minutes in, giving Zebras coach Paul Hudson plenty to ponder.

Ahmed Saad (8 disposals, 2 tackles) didn't have a huge impact on the contest but his only goal was a clever snap around the corner nine minutes into the second term, while ruckman Jason Holmes (7 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 marks) hit the scoreboard to make it two goals for the quarter.

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With the Pies holding a 33-point half-time lead, that was the catalyst for some strong words in the Zebras' camp in the hope of a second half turnaround.

The response the visitor's coaching staff were after came in the third term, which saw the Zebras hold the Pies goalless but only register one goal themselves to bring the margin to 29 points at the last change.

Key forward Paddy McCartin (11 disposals, 8 marks, 2 goals) pushed up the ground after a quiet first half and impacted the contest, providing a target for his teammates.

The Pies again started the last quarter well, before the Zebras gained momentum to produce five unanswered goals and bring the margin down to three points at the 17-minute mark.

For a short time it appeared as if the Zebras were going to run over the top of Collingwood in another last term special, but it wasn't to be after the Pies converted through Patrick Karnezis and held on for the ten-point win.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson said a poor first half made it difficult but was pleased the Zebras responded after half time.

"We weren't switched on in the first half," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"The wet conditions didn't help but our preparation and mentality wasn't right. I gave the players some strong words at half time and they responded, which was pleasing.

"Despite the loss we had some great individual performances. Clinton Jones and Adam Cockie just lead so well given their experience, while Eli Templeton (25 disposals, 3 tackles) and Josh Saunders (24 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal) gave us some great run and carry.

"Coburg is our next challenge and it's really important we focus on preparing well and being ready to perform at home".

Sandringham returns to Trevor Barker Oval next Sunday in their round 13 clash with the Coburg Lions.

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COLLINGWOOD 6.3 9.6 9.11 11.12 (78)

SANDRINGHAM 2.0 4.3 5.6 10.8 (68)

GOALS: McCartin 2, Saunders, Holmes, Shenton, Saad, Cockie, Brown, Cook, Payne.

BEST: McCartin, Jones, Cockie, Holmes, Templeton, Saunders.