Where: Piranha Park, Coburg
When: Saturday, 14 May
Time: 2pm (Development League 11am).
Conditions: Sunshine but partly cloudy, reaching a top of 16 degrees.
Last time they met:
Sandringham 12.13 (85) def. Coburg 5.6 (36) round 14 2016, at Piranha Park.
Goals: Shenton 3, Dennis-Lane 3, Billings 2, Wilkins 2, Lonie, Sinclair.
Best: Shenton, Billings, Lonie, Sinclair, Answerth, Cook.
Form guide:
Sandringham currently sits fifth ahead of Round 5 and VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee believes improvement is needed to become a consistent four-quarter performer. Since the Richmond loss in Round 2, the Zebras have won their past two but were lucky in a tight finish against North Ballarat last week. Sunday’s round five clash at Coburg is the first away trip for 2017 with a return to Trevor Barker Oval not until 24 June.
In the opposition stakes, Coburg sits 13th without a win to date and will be eager to secure it against the visiting Sandringham. After a narrow two-point loss to Collingwood in Round 1, the Lions haven’t been at all close since - going down by 60-points or more in the last three weeks.
Selected team:
B: 75. B. Rice, 61. D. Joyce, 65. B. White
HB: 62. R. Connellan, 37. H. Goddard, 80. S. Savage
C: 39. E. Phillips, 41. D. Minchington, 63. N. O'Kearney
HF: 2. K. Answerth, 77. R. Marshall, 33. N. Freeman
F: 34. B. Long, 67. P. McCartin, 76. N. Wright
R: 69. J. Holmes, 84. L. Dunstan, 64. B. Acres
Int: 78. J. Baker-Thomas, 32. J. Lonie, 71. L. Pierce, 1. D. Weickhardt, 16. M. Hayes, 70. D. McKenzie, 73. N. Coughlan, 9. M. Cook, 87. S. Gilbert
23P: 8. T. Thompson
Players to watch:
SANDRINGHAM
Jack Lonie
The highest accumulator of the football in the win over the Roosters last week, Lonie spent much of the four quarters in the midfield to finish with 39 disposals and seven tackles to be named among the best. In the absence of Jack Sinclair, Darren Minchington and Nathan Wright due to AFL call-ups, the 20-year-old found himself as a key player and performed well. His role all again be vital at Piranha Park with Sinclair, Minchington and now Luke Dunstan all in Alan Richardson’s AFL team.
Shane Savage
In arguably his best VFL outing to date, the 26-year-old was highly effective with his 27 disposals and pressure around the contest. Six tackles, along with seven inside 50s and six rebound 50s showed his willingness to run hard both ways across the ground. With notable VFL regulars playing AFL this weekend, Savage will be a critical player against Coburg.
COBURG LIONS
Patrick Lawlor
One of the Lions’ better performers in the 88-point loss to Williamstown last week, Lawlor gathered 25 disposals and worked hard in a tough afternoon at Burbank Oval. His ball winning ability is a clear strength and one Peter German will try and utilise against the Zebras on Sunday, in the comforts of their home deck at Piranha Park.
Jesse Corigliano
A defender who battled honestly against the Seagulls and won his fair share of the ball, Corigliano picked up 24 disposals, seven marks and had six rebound 50s in a losing side. Given enough space, he has the ability to take charge running off half-back and pushing into the midfield to become a real weapon going forward.
