Sandringham’s grip on a top-four spot has been loosened once again following a fourth loss in five weeks, this time falling at the hands of Box Hill by 22-points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday.
Despite the disappointing result, Sandringham remains in fourth position due to a superior percentage. Although, Port Melbourne and Footscray are level on points with two games to play.
The Zebras had the perfect start in the sunny conditions in the south-east, kicking the first two goals of the game before heading into the first break with a one-point advantage.
It was goal-for-goal in the second term with the lead changing twice early before scores levelled, followed by a Sandringham major before Box Hill reeled the home side back in just before half time.
With a two-point lead at the main break and perfect conditions for football, it was a question of who would break away in the second half.
The Hawks stepped things up a gear after half-time, kicking four goals to the Zebras’ inaccurate 1.5 to open up a 12-point deficit at the last change.
Join the players and coaches at the 2016 best and fairest and celebrate an exciting season
Despite the inaccuracy, the heat was on in third term with plenty of feeling in the contest, marked by wrestling and brawls.
Sandringham Coach Paul Hudson implored his Zebras to take advantage and finish with momentum in the last quarter, unfortunately the home side fell short against a Box Hill side desperate to jump into the top-eight.
St Kilda defender Jimmy Webster (27 disposals) impressed in his second straight VFL hit out, while Cam Shenton (4 goals, 13 disposals, 8 marks) continued his strong form having now kicked ten goals in the past two weeks.
Billy Longer (16 disposals, 5 tackles, 17 hit outs) impressed with his ruck work around the ground, along with Jack Sinclair (25 disposals, 9 tackles) and Kade Answerth (1 goal, 18 disposals, 9 tackles).
With two games remaining before finals, the Zebras face Richmond at home before a last round away trip to Werribee that will decide where they finish in the run into September.
SCOREBOARD
SANDRINGHAM 4.2 7.6 8.11 9.15 (69)
BOX HILL HAWKS 4.1 7.4 11.6 13.13 (91)
GOALS: Shenton 4, Iudica 2, Answerth, Lee, Holmes
BEST: Shenton, Webster, Sinclair, Longer, Answerth.
At Trevor Barker Beach Oval.
