Sandringham has survived a scare to overcome North Ballarat by 14-points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday, winning 12.6 (78) to 9.10 (64).

The Roosters outscored the home side four goals to two to be within two kicks of the lead in the final term, only for the Zebras to hold firm in the final moments.

In cold and very windy conditions, it took the Zebras until the 21-minute mark of the first quarter to register their first major of the day with St Kilda rookie Rowan Marshall giving the home side the break with the last two goals of the term.

With rain falling from the overcast sky, scores were hard to come by and with Paddy McCartin reported for a late hit, the Roosters couldn’t hit the scoreboard with much efficiency.

The Zebras again registered late goals in the second term, jumping out to a game-high lead of 19-points at the main break.

The visitors kept coming at Sandringham after half-time, but it was Lindsay Gilbee’s team that held sway to make the most of their opportunities with a quarter left to play.

The Zebras now sit third on the VFL ladder after their third win for 2017, with an away trip to Piranha Park next Sunday to tackle 13th placed Coburg.

Injury watch

In worrying signs for the Zebras, they lost defender Elliot Le Grice (leg) and ruckman Tom Hickey (knee) to injuries before half-time, with the extent not yet known.

Hickey’s absence meant Jason Holmes was left to shoulder rucking duties and while he doesn’t often possess high disposal numbers, his five tackles and tap work was significant.

Who stood out?

St Kilda rookie Rowan Marshall continues to impress with strong form at VFL level, finishing with three goals and six marks, forming a key partnership in attack alongside Paddy McCartin.

Marshall has now kicked two or more majors in the first four rounds of the season, highlighting that Alan Richardson has another key forward prospect on his list.

Well held by Tobias Thoolen, McCartin was still formidable on the end of two important goals and five marks by siren’s end.

Jack Lonie gathered a game-high 37 disposals and seven tackles to step up in the midfield, along with Luke Dunstan (27 disposals, nine tackles) and Shane Savage (27 disposals, six tackles).

VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee was also pleased with the input from Nathan Freeman, who put on pressure with eight tackles, 15 disposals and a goal himself.