Sandringham has closed out its 2022 campaign on a high for the outgoing Sam Dunell, recording a 40-point win over Williamstown to send the VFL stalwart and former Saint out in style.
Despite an even first half at Williamstown Oval, the inexperienced Zebras outfit cruised to a comfortable victory with an impressive second-half performance to close out their campaign.
With both sides out of finals contention, Sandringham held a slim five-point lead at half-time before a 12-goal-to-six second-half propelled Sandringham to a dominant 10.10 (70) to 17.8 (110) win to wrap up the season.
Despite many AFL-listed players unavailable for selection – with the Zebras only fielding six – Sandringham produced one of their best performances of the season throughout the afternoon.
Retiring ex-Saint and former Williamstown star Sam Dunell enjoyed a day out in his final VFL game, much to the delight of the fans and his teammates, kicking three goals - including the opener - and collecting 14 disposals in what were great scenes.
On the other end, Zebras debutant Matthew Harms booted four majors in the second half to go along with nine disposals and five marks in an encouraging performance by the youngster.
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Jack Bytel continued his superb VFL form with a prolific display in the middle of the field, collecting 28 disposals, 13 tackles and 12 clearances while kicking two goals of his own in a best-on-ground performance.
With Tom Campbell (AFL) missing, Max Heath (11 disposals, 26 hit outs, five clearances) competed strongly against former GIANT and Williamstown ruckman Tom Downie, with the youngster also applying relentless pressure to finish with nine tackles.
Fellow big man Chris Carey (two goals, 14 disposals, 10 hit outs) was prominent as he spent time between the forward line and ruck, while speedster Jack Peris showed his smarts around the goals, kicking two majors while collecting 18 disposals in a busy outing.
Matthew Allison had one of his best performances of the year, finishing with a season-high 18 disposals while also bobbing up to kick a major as he swung between defence and attack in an encouraging display.
Vice-captain Goy Lok was again impressive for the Zebras, collecting 23 disposals, six tackles and six clearances in a well-rounded performance.
Leo Connolly finished with 15 disposals off half-back, with his rebounding play and speed out of defence impressive yet again, as Darragh Joyce (12 disposals, six marks) competed well for Sandringham as the defence largely held the Seagulls’ forwards for most of the afternoon.
The result saw Sandringham finish the season in 12th on the ladder with the conclusion of the home and away season, with an 8-9-1 record.
WILLIAMSTOWN 2.1 4.4 6.5 10.10 (70)
SANDRINGHAM 2.2 5.3 11.4 17.8 (110)
GOALS
Williamstown Gown 4, Myers 2, Ottavi, Ktona,
Sandringham Harms 4, Dunell 3, Peris, Bytel, Carey 2, Allison, Nowell, Sinclair, Watson
BEST
Williamstown Downie, Cousins, Preston, Miles, Greiser, Gown
Sandringham Bytel, Heath, Lok, Peris, Carey, Dunell, Harms, Allison
