Sandringham has fallen to their fifth consecutive loss following Saturday’s 25-point loss to 13th-placed Coburg at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

In a game where the Zebras were decimated by injuries, including a concussion to St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin before quarter time, it was a very tight opening three quarters before Coburg took control of the last term and ran away with the game 13.10 (88) to 8.15 (63).

The home side had the better of the visiting Lions in the first term, taking an 11-point lead into quarter time and were on top in tackle count and clearances.

The winless Lions hit the Zebras hard after quarter time, outscoring the home side eight goals to six in the second and third quarters, with scores tied at half-time and three-quarter time.

Despite a spur on by Lindsay Gilbee at the last break, Sandringham went goalless and only registered three behinds while the visitors kicked five consecutive majors to win their first match of 2017.

Injury watch

It was a difficult day for Sandringham on the interchange bench with several players hindered by injuries that affected rotations across the four quarters.

Paddy McCartin sustained a concussion in the opening term after a Coburg knee hit his head in a contest.

Joining McCartin by game’s end was defender Nick Coughlan (hamstring), Darren Minchington (ankle) and Dan McKenzie.

Standout Zebras

St Kilda midfielder Jack Steele was the clear standout on a difficult day at Beach Rd, finishing with a game-high 36 disposals, eight tackles and a goal in his first VFL outing since joining the Saints from GWS at the end of last season.

Other notables to get their hands on the ball included Nathan Freeman and Nick O’Kearney, who gathered 28 and 24 disposals respectively.

Rookie swingman Rowan Marshall continued his impressive form at both ends of the ground, finishing with 19 disposals, five tackles and six marks across the four quarters.

The next challenge

Sandringham returns to Trevor Barker Beach Oval next Sunday afternoon when they host the visiting Werribee.

The Tigers will be keen to return to the winners list against the Zebras after their six-game winning streak came to an end against Footscray at Whitten Oval on Saturday.