SANDRINGHAM has defeated Geelong by 25 points at Trevor Barker oval, winning 14.17 (101) to 11.7 (73).

With one round to play before the end of the VFL season, the Zebras are now in prime position to secure a top two finish with the Casey Scorpions to come before finals.

Ahmed Saad (15 disposals, 9 tackles, 4 goals) provided tackling pressure and an avenue to goal, along with Paddy McCartin (10 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals).

Zebras' stalwarts Clinton Jones (29 disposals, 6 tackles) and Myke Cook (21 disposals, 4 tackles) led the way in the absence of injured skipper Adam Cockie, benefitting from the the ruck work of Lewis Pierce (10 disposals, 4 tackles).

The Zebras put to bed recent poor starts, this time jumping the Cats with a five-goal to three first term to hold 15-point quarter time lead.

A much tighter second term saw the Cats claw back, but the Zebras' three goals to two held sway at the main break.

It wasn't all smooth sailing for the home side, with injuries to St Kilda-listed pair Arryn Siposs (head) and Spencer White (ankle).

The stretcher came out for Siposs following a heavy head clash with Tom Simpkin knock just before half time, while White landed awkwardly in a marking contest late in the final quarter.

The 20-point half-time margin was one the Cats couldn't reduce in the second half, with a Matt Kreymborg goal ten minutes into the third term taking the home side's advantage to a game high 35 points.

The Cats were able to peg the margin back to 25 points by three-quarter-time, in hope of snatching an unlikely victory from the Zebras.

The Zebras' first goal of the final quarter came at the six minute mark, following a long kick forward and relentless pressure from Ahmed Saad, stealing the ball from the lap of Geelong ruckman Dawson Simpson and a shepherd from teammate Trent Dennis-Lane to allow Saad his fourth goal of the day.

Paddy McCartin and Clint Jones after the win.

The Cats matched the Zebras' four goals for the quarter and got within 20 points just before time on, but a classy goal from Elliot Le Grice (18 disposals, 6 marks) gave the home side the edge just before the final siren.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was happy with the win and particularly pleased with the ability of several VFL listed players to come into the team and have an impact.

"It was a good win at a critical time of year leading into the finals," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"With only eight St Kilda listed players in our side this week we had a lot of our VFL listed players able to step up and play important roles for us.

"Of the St Kilda contingent, Lewis Pierce competed well as our number one ruckman and it was good to have Paddy McCartin back and compete strongly up forward.

"Ahmed Saad was really lively with his tackling pressure and ability to create scoring opportunities, and we thought Tom Simpkin (13 disposals, 6 tackles) gave us a lot of physicality through the midfield.

"We want to finish top two and today's result was a good step forward, but we're not there yet. We still have the Casey Scorpions at home next week, which is a must win for us."

Sandringham hosts the Casey Scorpions at Trevor Barker Beach oval next Saturday, with entry free for all St Kilda members.

SANDRINGHAM 5.3 8.5 10.11 14.17 (101)

GEELONG 3.0 5.3 7.5 11.7 (73)

GOALS: Saad 4, McCartin 2, Kreymborg 2, Ong, Weickhardt, Le Grice, Simpkin, Markworth, White.

BEST: Saad, Jones, Cook, Simpkin, Le Grice, Kreymborg.