Sandringham has begun the year strongly defeating Frankston by 63-points at Frankston Oval on Saturday in the Zebras' opening practice match.
In overcast and muggy conditions, both sides appeared scrappy early but commitment to the contest was clear to see in front of a Dolphins’ home crowd.
The Zebras lifted from the second quarter on, putting Frankston to the sword in fine fashion.
A seven goal to one second term showcased Sandringham’s dominance, led by Billy Longer’s ruck work to prolific ball winners Tom Curren, Josh Saunders and Eli Templeton.
The Zebras continued the momentum after half-time, producing an impressive defensive effort to hold the home side goal less, whilst converting five majors of their own.
A 72-point lead put the result beyond doubt at the final break.
St Kilda listed key defenders Tom Lee and Hugh Goddard were impressive down back and made it very difficult for the Dolphins to score inside 50.
Frankston hit back in the last term, outscoring the Zebras four goals to three but it was too little too late, with the visitors kick starting 2016 in good form.
St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson was pleased with the win in the overcast conditions away from home.
“It was great to win our first hit out for the year in the muggy conditions and the ball was a bit slippery, which didn’t make it easy,” Hudson told SAINTS.com.au.
“We’re happy to get through unscathed.
“Tom Lee and Hugh Goddard were really solid for us in defence and Cam Shenton, as well as our two ruck men in Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce, giving us some real dominance.
“Josh Saunders, Tom Curren, Eli Templeton and Darren Minchington were others that gave us a lot of ball use through the middle of the ground and going forward.”
Sandringham now has the week off ahead of the next practice match against Box Hill at Trevor Barker Oval on Sunday 27 March.
FRANKSTON 2.3 3.5 3.7 7.12 (54)
SANDRINGHAM 3.3 10.4 15.7 18.9 (117)
GOALS: McLaren 2, Pierce, Simpkin, Longer, Verma, Minchington, Templeton, Shenton, Curren, Payne, Murdoch, Saunders, Zijai.
BEST: Lee, Goddard, Longer, Curren, Templeton.
At Frankston Oval.
