It says plenty about the performance at Etihad Stadium that one of the few positives to come out of Round 2 came across town at Coburg’s Piranha Park.

Contested ball specialist Luke Dunstan and pressure king Mav Weller were the standouts in Sandringham’s win over Coburg, while youngsters Rowan Marshall, Brandon White, and Bailey Rice were others to impress.

Dunstan collected 36 disposals and won 15 clearances as he stalks a spot in the Saints’ engine room that has lost the contested-possession count two weeks in a row.

The left-footer was one of the St Kilda’s best in the latter stages of last season but was squeezed out of the starting 22 for the first two rounds of the AFL season.

Mav Weller is another likely to come under strong consideration for a senior recall in Round 3 after bagging five goals for the Zebras in an ominous display.

The small forward was a man on a mission in Friday’s practice match, racking up 25 touches and throwing himself at the contest.

Jack Lonie (three goals) also hit the scoreboard, swapping between the forward line and the midfield, while Marshall (two goals) again showcased his agility and versatility.

With Billy Longer copping a knock in the Saints’ loss to North Melbourne, the 21-year-old could be headed for a match-up with Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs next Saturday night.

Veteran Sam Gilbert sat out the clash as the carry-over emergency, so it was left to Brandon White (22 disposals), Bailey Rice (24) and Hugh Goddard to control the defensive half for the Zebras.

White, with his penetrating left-boot, was one of the most damaging men on the ground in Friday’s hit-out, while Rice’s foot skills were also a feature.

Josh Battle presented well up forward to finish with three goals, while rookie Doulton Langlands managed two.

Dan McKenzie, Nathan Wright and Ed Phillips all had their moments, while Nick Coffield showed glimpses of his class with ball in hand.

The Zebras kick off their season on Saturday April 7 against Footscray at Trevor Barker Oval.