With the game transferred from Frankston, the Dolphins opened like they had the home ground advantage and gave the Zebras a lesson in wet weather football, displaying far superior endeavour, desperation and teamwork. In so doing, Sandy were kept scoreless in the first term as gale force winds and driving rain lashed the ground forcing the ball to the Beach Rd side.
Sandy eventually troubled the scorers midway through the second term through Gary Moorcroft after the Dolphins had posted five and it seemed assured that Sandy would sink deep into the mire of ignominious defeat. But Frankston’s fifth goal would prove to be their last as the Zebras began to inch their way back into contention.
Mark Jamar’s promotion to the Demons meant that Chris Bryan had to shoulder the ruck duties, which he did tirelessly and commendably. He gave first use of the ball to his small men and was strong and decisive in the packs and at the many stoppages. Through his efforts Sandy’s midfielders found their feet and eventually gained ascendancy as the whole team sensed a sniff of victory. Strong marking and good disposal were a feature of his play in the diabolical conditions as he first thwarted, then held sway over Frankston’s giant ruckmen Craig and Daniel Clarke.
Adam Fisher began well and was Sandy’s best in a poor first quarter and David Robbins shone in the second half. He was well supported by the Radford brothers and Mark Haynes. Chris Lamb led a resolute defence with great assistance from Damien Lynch and Mitch Grant, while Ezra Poyas won numerous possessions across half back. Up forward Gary Moorcroft returned from a serious knee injury and proved a handful at times despite his frustrations due to some very close attention. Similarly Lachlan Oakley, but both became more threatening as the opportunities came. Brad Miller was a fine focal point at centre half forward and was a key factor in Sandy’s win with vigorous attack on the ball and some strong marks.
Travis Johnstone struggled early to find space in the conditions but improved as the game progressed becoming a vital playmaker in the Zebras’ forward surges late in the game. Both Dale Carson and Aaron Rogers saw limited game time. Matthew Gadsen was busy and dangerous across half forward in an auspicious debut, Andrew Treloar ran hard on his wing and Barnaby Howarth showed poise and desire in defence. Both Dale Carson and Aaron Rogers saw limited game time as with Leigh Fletcher who was also promoted from the Reserves.
Persistence and a never-say-die attitude in most inclement conditions eventually rewarded a depleted Sandringham with an unlikely victory against the plucky Dolphins. Yet what may prove to be more important than the four points on the eve of the finals, is the self belief and momentum gained from snatching victory from such a seemingly hopeless position. At the final siren, the boys could hardly hide their enthusiasm.
Sandringham: 0.0.0 2.2.14 4.4.28 5.9.39
Frankston: 3.5.23 5.6.36 5.8.38 5.8.38
Goals:Moorcroft, Oakley, Haynes, Gadsen, Miller
Reserves
The transfer of the game from Frankston saw the reserves commence at 9am in conditions not unlike the senior game. Sandy began like they were still in bed as Frankston jumped to an early lead with the wind. The depleted Zebras improved to keep the Dolphins scoreless in the second quarter while eventually gaining more control of the ball.
Trent Zantuck profited from the increased forward thrusts with 3 goals, while Rick Hayward and Luke Mann gained the upper hand in the big man department, giving their smaller team mates greater passage. Carl Brunier also proved an effective big man at both ends, and Jonathan Kane defended stoutly. Michael Clark made a welcome return from his spleen injury and got better as the game went on.
By no means an auspicious win, after their last meeting two weeks ago when Sandy prevailed by some 17 goals. Yet the treacherous conditions and a severely depleted line up didn’t completely stifle the Zebras’ persistence and self belief. The hopeful return of some of their better players from injury and senior selection for the finals should see Mark Sarau’s boys enter that campaign with plenty of confidence.
Sandringham: 0.2.2 3.5.23 4.6.30 7.9.51
Frankston: 3.5.23 3.5.23 7.7.49 7.7.49
Goals: Zantuck 3, Hayward, Kane, Turner, Gravina
