After a successful return last week, Jimmy Webster has furthered his case for a senior recall with a solid hit-out for the Zebras.
The 26-year-old had 10 disposals and a goal to his name at quarter-time, before ending his day with 22 touches, five marks and three tackles.
Recurring hand and back injuries have curtailed Webster’s time in the senior side this season, but the rebounding defender looks poised for a return after successive stints in the VFL.
Jonathon Marsh was just as prominent with 20 disposals and a game-high seven marks, while assistant coach Jake Batchelor (10 disposals, five marks) was a steadying influence for younger heads.
But the back six were unable to hold off Essendon as the margin ballooned out in the 20.5 (125) to 6.4 (40) result at Windy Hill.
Ed Phillips (25 disposals, six tackles) and Jack Steven (23 disposals, four tackles) battled hard but could do little to stop the Bombers' second-half surge.
Jack Steven played his third successive game for the Zebras to finish with 23 disposals.
Ex-Blue Sam Rowe stood out with two goals and 19 hit-outs, helping to even up the hit-out count (42-36) along with Sandringham’s Kai Owens.
Brandon White (16 disposals, four tackles) pushed higher up the ground, while fellow defender Oscar Clavarino was restricted to 11 disposals and two marks.
Mid-season recruit Jack Mayo covered plenty of territory to finish with 17 disposals as he continues to build his endurance and ability to have an impact.
The visitors emerged on top of the tackle count by 24, with Darragh Joyce (10) and Robbie Young (nine) chalking up five apiece in the final term.
Young (13 disposals) bookended his game strongly after extended runs through the centre, while a successful two-goal bag last week saw Joyce start in attack.
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The 22-year-old utilised his defensive nous to find ample space in the forward 50, capitalising on a major before being forced to lend a hand down back following the Bombers’ onslaught.
He nearly ended up with another six-pointer in the first quarter, which had it sailed through, would have been one of the goals of the season.
Joyce’s left-foot volley out of mid-air on the point post – similar to Steven’s miraculous goal against Richmond last year – agonisingly glanced the top of the woodwork for a minor score.
With Sandringham’s bye scheduled for next week, the Zebras will have time to reset before returning to Trevor Barker Beach Oval to face Port Melbourne on Sunday.
ESSENDON 4.2 5.3 15.4 20.5 (125)
SANDRINGHAM 1.1 5.3 5.4 6.4 (40)
GOALS
Essendon: Gown 4, Smith 4, Baguley 3, Myers 3, Houlahan 2, Laverde 2, Bagley, Heppell
Sandringham: Rowe 2, Fox, Joyce, Seaton, Webster
BEST
Essendon: Myers, McNiece, Smith, Gown, Jok, Baguley
Sandringham: Webster, Marsh, Rowe, Phillips, Steven, Batchelor, Joyce
