Sandringham has falling agonisingly short in its bid to keep its finals hopes alive, going down by a devastating two points to Geelong in one of the games of the VFL season at GMHBA Stadium.
In a highly entertaining contest where momentum fluctuated between both sides throughout all four quarters – with the margin under seven points at all four breaks – it was ultimately the Cats’ class that proved enough to squeeze past the Zebras at the final siren 14.6 (90) to 13.19 (88).
Sandringham drew to within a point late in the final term courtesy of a goal from Max Heath, but the Cats, who had made the most of their opportunities throughout the day, clung on late to snap their seven-game losing streak.
The relentless pressure from both sides gave neither team an inch to breathe, as the initially high-scoring affair in the first half converted to a heavily contested, scrappy contest.
AFL-listed Cats Quinton Narkle (one goal, 29 disposals) and forward-turned-defender Esava Ratugolea (12 disposals, eight marks) were influential in their side's victory, with the latter playing a pivotal role with his contested marking in the Zebras’ forward-50.
For the Zebras, returning ruckman Tom Campbell was the standout, largely up against Toby Conway and Paul Tsapatolis, with the big man slotting two majors to go along with 28 disposals, eight marks, 33 hit outs and five clearances.
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Jack Bytel (one goal, 27 disposals, four clearances) was impressive in the Sandringham midfield, as was Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera (20 disposals, four marks) who battled hard on the wing.
Veteran speedster Dean Kent (one goal, 21 disposals) put his experience on display, regularly bursting from stoppages and orchestrating many of the Zebras’ offensive moves, while Matthew Allison put in an encouraging performance up forward with 12 disposals and a goal.
Youngster Max Heath put in one of his best VFL performances in the ruck/forward role, with his aerial presence a major highlight, finishing with one goal, 12 disposals, four marks and 13 hit outs.
Tom Highmore (21 disposals, five marks) struggled to have his usual output as an intercept defender for the Zebras but was a solid contributor for the afternoon, while fellow defensive figures Jarrod Lienert (11 disposals, one mark) and Darragh Joyce (12 disposals, two marks) were quiet against the Cats’ forwards.
Hard-running pair Leo Connolly (15 disposals) and Ryan Byrnes (one goal, 15 disposals, six clearances) had some impressive moments throughout the contest.
The defeat sees Jake Batchelor’s side now out of finals contention, with the side hoping to finish the season strongly in their two remaining matches.
Sandringham will face third-placed Brisbane at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval next Saturday at 11:05 am (AEST).
GEELONG 5.1 9.4 12.5 14.6 (90)
SANDRINGHAM 6.2 9.3 11.8 13.10 (88)
GOALS
Geelong: Bond 4, Tsapatolis 2, Evans, Higgins, McLachlan, Narkle, Riccardi, Simpson, Willis, Zdybel
Sandringham: Campbell 2, Lowe 2, Allison, Byrnes, Bytel, Carey, Dunell, Heath, Hodgson, Kent, Watson
BEST
Geelong: Ratugolea, Narkle, Williams, Bond, Knevitt, Higgins
Sandringham: Campbell, Bytel, Kent, Highmore, Wanganeen-Milera
