There is momentum building at RSEA Park, with reinforcements ready to bolster a Saints side on the up.
After two consecutive wins under caretaker coach Brett Ratten, the Saints injury woes also appear to be subsiding.
Important defenders Jimmy Webster and Josh Battle are closing in on a return to AFL level after both got through unscathed in Sandringham’s loss to Casey on Sunday.
Battle starred after missing three weeks with a knee injury, collecting 19 disposals and taking five marks playing mostly in defence.
While less prolific, Webster’s precise left-foot kicking was on display as the 26-year-old made his return from both back and hand injuries.
The pair joined Jack Steven in the Zebras’ line-up, with the four-time Trevor Barker Award-winner playing his second game on the comeback trail.
Steven booted two goals, including a crucial snap in the last quarter with the game in the balance, but battled a close tag for much of the afternoon.
Jonathon Marsh was superb in defence with 18 disposals, while Brandon White (20 disposals) and Ed Phillips (20) both found plenty of the ball.
With Steven busy early and a back-six holding firm against an avalanche of inside-50s, the Zebras gained control of the contest.
Darragh Joyce, playing forward, and Kai Owens both booted two first-half goals to help the hosts to a 23-point lead at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
But with Brayden Preuss dominating in the ruck, the Demons cut the deficit to just one point at the last change.
An arm-wrestle ensued in the last, with a controversial 50-metre penalty handing the visitors a crucial goal late in the term.
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Despite one last foray forward, the Zebras were are unable to find the levelling goal and were ultimately defeated by 12 points.
Matty Parker and Robbie Young booted a goal apiece, with Parker laying 12 tackles as he chases a return to the senior side.
Dan McKenzie was solid in defence with 15 disposals, while Bailey Rice battled hard and nailed an important long-range goal in the third term.
SANDRINGHAM 4.1 8.4 10.4 11.5 (71)
CASEY 2.0 4.5 9.9 12.11 (83)
GOALS
Sandringham: Joyce 2, Owens 2, Steven 2, Answerth, Rice, Parker, Seccull, Young
Casey: White 3, Dunkley 2, Lockhart 2, Melksham 2, Jordon, Preuss, Lefau
BEST
Sandringham: Joyce, Seccull, White, Marsh, Steven, Fox
Casey: Preuss, Hore, Kennedy-Harris, Munro, White, Lual
