Two experienced Saints stood out despite Sandringham’s brutal 68-point loss to Williamstown on Sunday afternoon.
In utterly torrid conditions at Burbank Oval that saw a blustering gale and torrential rainfall all day, the Zebras failed to kick a goal for the first time in their 89-year history.
Sam Gilbert was outstanding in his return from injury with 24 disposals and six tackles, while ruckman Tom Hickey competed aggressively, finishing with 58 hit-outs and eight tackles.
Defenders Brandon White (16 disposals, three marks, two tackles) and Hugh Goddard (eight disposals, five marks) battled well in defence, restricting the opposition to three goals in the first three quarters before the Seagulls got on a run on in the last.
WATCH: The thrilling final two minutes of St Kilda's comeback
Conditions were some of the worst seen in years at Williamstown on Sunday.
After a grinding first three quarters and just a 15-point deficit at
“It was really tough conditions in a game that was already difficult to score; we’ve never been involved in a game where we haven’t kicked a goal,” Hamill told saints.com.au.
“Williamstown adjusted to the conditions a lot better than what we did. We fought it out, but we were exposed in the contest against an
Hamill highlighted the games of ruckman Tom Hickey and the strong return of Sam Gilbert from injury.
“Gilbo (Sam Gilbert) was really solid in the middle, and Tom Hickey battled hard all day,” he said.
“It wasn’t a day for tall forwards, but Josh Bruce got through his second hit-out well and kept presenting in conditions that made it hard for him. He’ll be better for the run.”
Sandringham have the bye in Round 12 but return to face Port Melbourne at
Williamstown 0.0 2.4 3.5 11.11 (77)
Sandringham 0.5 0.5 0.8 0.9 (9)
BEST Gilbert, Hickey, White, Goddard
