SANDRINGHAM kicked off its VFL season with a stunning one-point victory over Essendon at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday afternoon.

With wintery conditions that included heavy rain and hail, the Zebras challenged a full strength Essendon side that led at every change.

A frantic ten minutes before the final siren saw both sides push numbers forward in the hope of gaining an advantage and hitting the scoreboard.

But it was a kick right on the siren by Yllber Zijai that went post height for a behind, enough for a Zebras' win.

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Geelong recruit Mitch Brown (4 goals) was again prominent, but it was St Kilda pair Tom Lee and Hugh Goddard who stood up under pressure in defence.

More renowned as a forward, Lee's efforts in defence add another string to his bow as he seeks to win a spot in Alan Richardson's team.

Goddard battled illness and performed admirably as Essendon stretched the Zebra defence, rotating ruckmen Jonathan Giles and Shaun McKernan. Lee meanwhile, took some telling contested marks at key moments and hit targets coming out of the back half to set up transitional play.

Tom Hickey, Jason Holmes and Lewis Pierce all rotated through the ruck and up forward to combat the Bombers' dangerous pair of Giles and McKernan, who were key reasons behind the visitors' five goals to two first quarter.

Other Saints to impress included Darren Minchington (19 disposals, 8 tackles, 1 goal), Josh Saunders (21 disposals) and Tom Curren (20 disposals) through the midfield. 

The Zebras won by just a single point on Sunday. (Photos: Dave Savell)

Posted by St Kilda Football Club on Sunday, 19 April 2015

The Zebras halted the Bombers' run to put their stamp on the contest in the second term, out scoring them to only trial by three points at half time.

The third term was much of an arm wrestle with both sides kicking three goals apiece and the Bombers' holding sway at the last break.

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The last quarter brought out the best in both sides as the heavy rain fell, but it was the Zebras who triumphed with the last kick of the day in a thriller.

St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with the win, but more satisfied with his team's ability to execute skills under significant pressure.

"It was a great win for the boys," Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.

"I was so pleased we were able to hold them up defensively towards the end and grind out the win in challenging conditions.

"Tom Lee was terrific down back, as was Hugh Goddard who had pushed through a bout of gastro. That just shows the character of a young man in his first year of senior football.

"Williamstown next week is the next challenge so we'll train hard in the lead up and focus on the things we need to improve as a group going forward."

Sandringham travels to Burbank Oval next Sunday to face Williamstown, who also had a one-point win this weekend.

SANDRINGHAM 2.1 6.6 9.8 12.11 (83)

ESSENDON 5.2 7.3 10.9 12.10 (82)

GOALS: Brown 4, Dennis-Lane, White, Hickey, Minchington, Ong, Jones

BEST: Lee, Brown, Jones, Hickey, Simpkin, Zijai