THE STORY SO FAR
It's been a mixed bag for Sandringham, with inconsistency marring performances week-to-week in the first year of Lindsay Gilbee’s tenure at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
The 2017 Zebras sit ninth with four wins from eight appearances, which started well in the opening round before Richmond taught them a football lesson the following week at Beach Rd.
The Zebras learnt quickly from Round 2 to win their next three, including an away victory over the Coburg Lions at Piranha Park that was their last before the bye.
An ongoing foot injury to skipper and ex-Saint Tom Curren has given him no opportunity to lead Sandringham at any stage but with some luck going his way, he is expected to feature soon.
HOW WE GOT HERE
Round 1 vs Essendon - WIN (7 points)
A season opener to remember, with the Zebras restricting Essendon to one goal in the first half before surviving a second half comeback at Beach Rd. With 17 Saints in Sandringham colours, there was plenty of quality on the park with Darren Minchington and Paddy McCartin combining for six goals.
Best players: Paddy McCartin, Darren Minchington, Nick O’Kearney.
Round 2 vs Richmond - LOSS (25 points)
The Zebras were outhunted and outplayed on their home deck by the Tigers outfit who kicked seven of the last ten goals to lead by 32-points halfway through the final term.
Best players: Jack Sinclair, Shane Savage, Dan McKenzie.
Round 3 vs Collingwood - WIN (20 points)
In arguably the Zebras’ best win of the season, Lindsay Gilbee’s side was dominant with a 12-goal first half and a 40-point lead heading into three quarter time thanks to Paddy McCartin’s seven majors. Luke Dunstan was also influential in the midfield along with the AFL recalls of Koby Stevens and Jack Sinclair.
Best players: Paddy McCartin, Luke Dunstan, Jack Lonie.
Round 4 vs North Ballarat - WIN (14 points)
Sandringham achieved consecutive wins for the first time of the season, holding off a competitive North Ballarat. The Roosters got within two kicks of the lead late in the final term but the Zebras’ resilience is what pleased coach Gilbee in a game where injuries to Tom Hickey and Elliot Le Grice tested the side.
Best players: Rowan Marshall, Jack Lonie, Nathan Freeman.
Round 5 vs Coburg - WIN (11 points)
Another best afield performance from St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin got Sandringham their first away win of 2017, on the back of four majors and 11 marks at Piranha Park. The Zebras put in a hard fought final term to run away winners from a tough Coburg side, with three goals apiece coming from Rowan Marshall and Ben Long.
Best players: Paddy McCartin, Rowan Marshall, Ben Long.
Round 6 vs Northern Blues - LOSS (38 points)
A tough afternoon for Sandringham after a promising start that saw the visitors pile on seven goals and take a 20-point quarter time lead. The Blues dominated proceedings for the final three quarters where the Zebras could only manage three majors after quarter time. Nick O’Kearney was the standout with 32 disposals in the loss at Preston.
Best players: Nick O’Kearney, Shane Savage, Bailey Rice.
STATE GAME WEEKEND vs Footscray - LOSS (98 points)
By far Sandringham’s worst defeat of 2017, the Zebras couldn’t get their hands on the ball in a game VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee described as “un-Sandringham like”. The Zebras didn’t kick their first major until the final term, coming from Jack Lonie, who was a shining light with 31 disposals.
Best players: Jack Lonie, Nick O’Kearney, Luke Dunstan.
Round 7 vs Collingwood - LOSS (14 points)
Sandringham couldn’t tick off two wins against Collingwood, the Magpies proving too strong in the second half, outscoring the Zebras by three goals. Josh Bruce pushed his name for an AFL recall with a four goal haul while Darren Minchington again showed his class.
Best players: Josh Bruce, Nathan Freeman, Darren Minchington.
Round 8 vs Williamstown - LOSS (24 points)
Sandringham weren’t disgraced out at Point Gillibrand, but missed opportunities early hurt with Williamstown efficient when it mattered most. Jack Lonie’s consistency at VFL level continued and Darren Minchington again put his hand up for another AFL recall.
Best players: Jack Lonie, Luke Dunstan, Darren Minchington.
INDIVIDUAL HONOURS:
Rising star
Rowan Marshall: At 200cm, the versatile tall and St Kilda rookie has excelled with senior opportunity at Sandringham providing a great target in attack. In his eight games this season he’s kicked 12 goals and averaged five marks a game. The 21-year-old Ballarat product has shown tremendous athleticism with strong contested marking and an ability to cover the ground well.
Setting a platform
Jack Lonie: Once only a specialist small forward, the 20-year-old Saint has emerged as a key midfielder who can hit the scoreboard under Gilbee in 2017. In the absence of AFL recalls, Lonie has impressed in his seven games for the Zebras. The talented Lonie averages 23 disposals, five tackles and has kicked eight goals in those games to become a consistent and influential player at VFL level.
