Sandringham snapped a five-game losing streak and reignited their season in a hard fought win against Werribee at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.

The Zebras burst out of the blocks at Beach Road, booting nine goals to three in the opening quarter to set up their fifth win of 2017 and their first since the middle of May.

After a difficult six weeks, Sandringham Coach Lindsay Gilbee said the 17.6 (108) to 14.18 (102) win demonstrated his side could match some of the better teams in the competition.

“It just shows we can still play good footy against quality opposition and Werribee are very, very good,” Gilbee told saints.com.au on Tuesday morning.

“I think they beat us in the inside 50 count comfortably, but it helps when they kick straight. When you put it through the two big white sticks it really helps.

“Over the four quarters I thought our effort was outstanding.

Gilbee described the opening quarter onslaught as the Zebras’ best start to a game this season and praised the influence of ruckman Tom Hickey and Nathan Freeman around the ball.

Hickey put his hand up for another opportunity at senior level with his best performance since returning from a knee injury, while injury riddled recruit Freeman amassed 37 disposals, including 25 contested possessions, in one of his best efforts yet.

“It was our best start to a game by far all season. I think we scored the most points we have in a quarter all season and we want five goals up at the first change," Gilbee said.

“Our intensity and effort around the footy was outstanding led by Tom Hickey in the ruck who was really positive with regards to his contest and follow up, as was Nathan Freeman.

“'Hick' took a big step forward. His ability to not just win the hitout but to be damaging around the ground is his one wood and he brought that on Saturday.

“'Freezer’s' produced another strong game with 37 disposals and 25 of those were contested so a lot of it was in tight.”