It won’t be remembered as one for the ages, but Sandringham put in a well-rounded performance to defeat Frankston by 60 points at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday.

In a game with limited highlights, the Zebras were clinical from the outset to win their eighth game from the last nine outings.

Similar to last week, scoreboard inaccuracy was the only blemish in a four quarter effort from Sandringham – who now sit a game and percentage clear inside the top four.

Hampered by injuries throughout the contest, Frankston fought gallantly and at times frustrated Sandringham. However, a dominant first half paved the way for victory and ensured the Dolphins never got within arm’s length of the in-form Zebras.

Eli Templeton pushed his case for senior selection with 33 disposals and six tackles in a best on ground performance, while Nick Coughlan was a standout in defence with 20 touches and seven marks. Nick O’Kearney continued his solid form with 22 disposals and nine tackles as a defensive forward.

Much of Sandringham’s dominance started from the midfield. Hunting in numbers, the Zebras forced Frankston into turnovers and quick ball movement created holes in the Dolphin’s zone.

Even when Frankston managed to work their way inside 50, Sandringham’s defence had their opponents beaten for height and gave the Dolphins' little opportunity to capitalize.

With their tail’s up, the Zebras raced out to an early lead– one they would maintain. Brodie Murdoch and Daniel McKenzie were slicing their way through on the rebound and pumping the ball inside 50.

Murdoch also punished Frankston on the scoreboard, nailing a long ranged effort on the run in a blistering display of attacking footy.

Despite the early lead, Sandringham’s forward line struggled to get going. +9 inside 50s and +8 scoring shots only translated to an 18-point lead at quarter time. Poor execution denied reward for effort.

It took until 15th minute mark for the Zebras to goal in the second quarter, but the forward line became functional when Sandringham’s Joe Fisscher took a strong contested grab and goaled.

Frankston returned from quarter time much improved, but the gulf in class was evident. Sandringham wrestled back control in the second half of the term to go into the main break 42 points up.

With the heat gone from the contest, Sandringham further built their lead through Fisscher and skipper Trent Dennis-Lane. For every two goals the Zebras kicked, Frankston kicked one to stem the bleeding.

Dolphins battled well despite two players suffering serious injuries. The reduced bench rotations eventually took its toll on Frankston, as Sandringham ran the Dolphins off their feet with late goals to blow the final margin out to 10 goals.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson told saints.com.au post-game while consistency across four quarter shaped the win, the Zebras lamented poor execution.

“We just won each quarter enough, two or three goals each quarter and that ends up being the difference,” Hudson said.

“We obviously got the ball inside 50 a lot more than them, but we need to be more efficient going inside 50 rather than bombing away depending on the personnel we got down there.

“They were good at getting back with extra numbers, running the ball out and stopping that, which was the area we spoke about post game.” 

A tough run ahead for Sandringham begins next week when the Zebras travel to Pirhana Park to take on the 10th placed Coburg.

SANDRINGHAM 4.6 7.11 11.13 16.20 (116)

FRANKSTON 2.0 3.0 6.1 9.2 (56)

GOALS: Fisscher 5, Dennis-Lane 2, Sinclair 2, Simpkin, Answerth, Murdoch, O'Kearney, Pierce, Haidon.

BEST: Templeton, Coughlan, Fisscher, Answerth, O'Kearney, Sinclair.