Sandringham has just returned from their pre-season camp, with practice matches less than two weeks away before commencement of the VFL season on April 9.
St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson told saints.com.au that he has been impressed with what he’s seen over the summer months.
“We had a really successful camp in Cerberus two weeks ago and we feel the players got a lot out of that,” Hudson said.
“So much so that the team building and hard work has reflected in our training since.”
New recruits Tom Simpkin and George Burbury, both former AFL listed players at St Kilda and Geelong respectively, have fitted in well and the coach is thrilled to have them on board for 2016.
“Tom Simpkin played a really important role for us last year and to secure him again is a real boost for the upcoming season,” Hudson said.
“George Burbury is a class act and a really professional athlete. His previous AFL experience will be a great asset not only for our younger players but for the team as a whole.”
With former skipper Adam Cockie joined by Clinton Jones at Perth and Mitch Brown (Essendon) in departing Trevor Barker Oval, the Zebras had some recruiting to do.
On top of the signatures of Simpkin and Burbury, Sean McLaren (Sydney Swans), Mitch Wilkins (North Melbourne/Norwood) and Joe Fisscher (Casey Scorpions) headline the 2016 signings.
Former Oakleigh Charger Kade Answerth - best on ground in last year’s TAC Cup grand final - has made the jump to the VFL and is exciting the Sandringham hierarchy already.
“Despite the experience we’ve lost, we’ve gained the best crop of Sandringham Dragons talent we’ve seen. It’s really exciting as we prepare for the upcoming season,” Hudson said.
With just one player on the injury list, Hudson was optimistic ahead of the club’s three practice matches before the season opener against the Hawks.
“Taylor Grace is the only player on the injury list and he’ll be back by mid-May, which is really positive. All going well, we’ll have a fit list to pick from for round one,” he said.
“We’ll monitor the loads of our players throughout our practice matches and put our best side on the park for round one against Box Hill.”
Sandringham’s first practice match is on Saturday March 12 against the Frankston Dolphins at Frankston Park.
PRACTICE MATCHES
Saturday 12th March v Frankston Dolphins
Venue: Frankston Park
Development: 11am
Seniors: 2pm
Sunday 27th March v Box Hill Hawks
Venue: Trevor Barker Oval
Development: 10am
Seniors: 1pm
Saturday 2nd April v Williamstown
Venue: Burbank Oval
Development: 10am
Seniors: 1pm
