Sandringham has been outplayed by a strong Richmond side, going down to the in-form Tigers by 25-points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday.
Despite St Kilda tall forwards Rowan Marshall and Paddy McCartin combining for five goals and 17 marks between them, the Tigers hunted the Zebras on their home deck to overpower them, remaining unbeaten after the opening two rounds.
It was a tight opening term in which less than a kick separated the two sides, with the Tigers marginally ahead at the main break with clouds threatening rain that would fall in the second half.
Craig McRae’s Tiger upped the ante with a five goal to three third quarter, putting the challenge ahead for Sandringham in the final stanza.
The margin within reach at the last change gave cause for optimism in the Zebras’ camp, but the visitors would have none of that kicking the first two majors to jump out to a 32-point lead half way through the final term.
Lindsay Gilbee’s side rallied late but Richmond were too far ahead for the home side to reel in, with the ledger levelling the Zebras’ start to 2017.
Who stood out?
Key forwards Rowan Marshall and Paddy McCartin both impressed in attack for the second consecutive week.
The developing McCartin pulled in another nine marks to make it 18 grabs in two weeks, while Ballarat product Marshall started the game in style with a strong contested mark and the first goal of the game.
Brandon White also starred in his sweeping role across half-back, impressing with 24 disposals and four marks, working well with Dan McKenzie’s 29 disposals and seven marks on the opposite back flank.
Among the other notable ball winners, Jack Sinclair headed the list with 35 disposals, followed by the hard running of Shane Savage with 29 disposals and six marks.
Injury watch
In the tough contest on Beach Rd, the Zebras had their own injury concerns combined with the absence of club captain Tom Curren for the second week running.
First-year St Kilda forward Josh Battle left the ground after sustaining a lower leg injury in the first quarter, while a suspected concussion to midfielder Koby Stevens restricted rotations.
