SANDRINGHAM has stormed into the VFL semi finals after dispatching Collingwood by 26 points in a fierce sudden-death contest at Victoria Park on Saturday.

With emotions spilling over at times, it was the Zebras who managed to maintain their composure and convert truly to create a five-goal buffer during the third quarter.

Sandringham coach Simon McPhee was thrilled for his playing group in what continues to be a rollercoaster season.

“We have had an interesting season with some impressive wins and poor losses but most importantly, for our young group with seven Saints players, to get that kind of finals exposure was outstanding,” McPhee told SAINTS.com.au post-game.

In perfect conditions at the traditional home of Collingwood, the Zebras were not intimidated by the parochial home crowd and were committed the contest right from the first bounce.

Josh Saunders was prolific from the outset, with half-a-dozen disposals in as many minutes, plus a shot on goal, setting the tone for the afternoon.

With the stakes riding on the game came many mistakes, with both teams making basic skill errors. These blemishes saw the Zebras behind by four points at quarter time.

A second-quarter blitz by Sandringham was pivotal, kicking five goals to Collingwood’s nil to set up a 22-point buffer at the main break.
A Collingwood goal four minutes into the third quarter threatened to turn the momentum in favour of the home team before Sandringham captain Adam Cockie stood up and steadied the ship for the Zebras.

Two more majors in quick succession all but sealed the result, a hard-fought 26-point victory.

Sandringham will take on minor premiers Port Melbourne next weekend with the date, time and venue yet to be confirmed.

The Zebras will welcome back a host of St Kilda-listed players after the Saints conclude their AFL season on Sunday in Adelaide against the Crows.

“Seb Ross, Cameron Shenton, Nathan Wright and Spencer White off the top of my head are players who are eligible to come back in,” McPhee said.

“I’d assume they will all come back in and they should be very handy against Port Melbourne.”

COLLINGWOOD 2.2  2.5  4.7  5.15  45
SANDRINGHAM 1.4  6.4  9.7  .10.11 71

Goals: Ong, 4, Dunell 2, Cockie, Kreymborg, Minchington, Dennis-Lane
Best: Ong, Minchington, Simpkin, Saunders, Dunell, Holmes