Sandringham has rebounded from last week’s loss to record an emphatic 37-point win over Werribee at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

The visiting Tigers shot out of the blocks early, stunning the home side with the first four goals to lead by 26-points 12 minutes into the opening quarter.

The Zebras hit the scoreboard for the first time through ruckman Lewis Pierce, and then Eli Templeton kicked truly before the siren sounded for quarter-time, with a 26-point deficit and the challenge ahead for Sandringham.

Following a stern message at the first break from Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson, the Zebras responded with a six goal to one momentum swing, kicking with the wind to set up a five-point advantage heading into half-time.

With the second half getting underway, the third term was tight and contested with both sides pushing for a competitive edge to gain momentum.

Werribee won the quarter three goals to two, wasteful opportunities marring the Zebras’ chances to stay ahead.

A three point ball game at the last change put the contest within reach of either side, but it was the home side who gained momentum kicking with the breeze once again.

A quarter of dominance was on display by the Zebras, putting the Tigers to the sword with an eight goal to two final term.

St Kilda goal sneak Jack Lonie (28 disposals, 5 tackles, 4 goals) kicked three of his four goals in the final term, while a big bomb from outside 50 from Tom Curren (14 disposals, 8 tackles) his first and a clever snap from Darren Minchington (21 disposals, 6 tackles, 2 goals) ensuring the visitors weren’t able to get a look in.

Talented wingman Blake Acres (36 disposals, 6 tackles, 7 marks) dominated possession in hope of another AFL recall, with help from Eli Templeton (30 disposals, 6 marks, 1 goal) and the long-kicking of Brodie Murdoch (24 disposals, 8 marks) running off half-back.

Hudson was pleased with how his side finished the game so strongly heading into a critical part of the VFL season.

“We didn’t start well and after falling away last week (against the Casey Scorpions), it was important we took control from quarter time onwards,” Hudson told saints.com.au.

“We always finish games off well and do hold an advantage at home, and taking that advantage when kicking with the wind certainly held us in good stead as the game wore on.

“Jack Lonie was terrific for us up forward. We really had to be smart and utilise our smaller targets because we were without a powerful focal point, which is just reality of AFL selection and which St Kilda-listed players are available for us from week-to-week.

“I really thought Lewis Pierce worked really hard to be that target at times. He took some strong marks for us and had four scoring shots that he wasn’t able to convert, but there’s some really promising signs in his development as both a ruckman and a key forward.

“The VFL bye comes at a good time for us, we’ll train hard in the lead up to our next challenge against the Cats in two weeks time.”

SCOREBOARD

SANDRINGHAM 2.2 8.7 9.13 17.18 (120)
WERRIBEE 6.4 7.8 10.10 12.11 (83)

GOALS: Lonie 4, Minchington 2, Kreymborg 2, Simpkin, Cook, Templeton, Lee, Shenton, Curren, Murdoch, Pierce, Lok.

BEST: Lonie, Acres, Templeton, Murdoch, Minchington, Cook, Pierce.