Launceston's Aurora Stadium saw VFL action for the first time this year, when Tasmania took on Melbourne-aligned Sandringham in Saturday's curtain raiser to the AFL clash between Hawthorn and Port Adelaide.
The Zebras ran their lamentable opposition ragged in a one-sided encounter, and recorded a 152-point drubbing, booting 31.17.203 to 7.9.51.
Each side was coming off a loss to the competition's pace makers in the previous round, and their respective coaches were looking for a vast improvement in commitment and execution from their players. This is precisely what Andy Lovell got from his charges, but Devils coach Daryn Cresswell was left scratching his head at his team's capitulation after an even opening quarter.
Cresswell was positive before the game, considering that the two clubs both had 3-3 records and the Devils were unbeaten at home this season. The previous wins had been at Bellerive Oval against last year's premiers Geelong, and against boom team Casey Scorpions on Anzac Day. The Tassie coach was confident that York Park would suit his team "because we're fit and we can run," and there was a question mark about how the visitors would handle the cooler Tasmanian conditions.
As it turned out, conditions were perfect for the bounce of the ball, but the Devils suffered a blow, losing two of their most dangerous forwards in Alex Gilmour (ankle) and promising youngster Aaron Cornelius before the game. However, that turned out to be just the start of their problems.
Sandringham fielded a relatively inexperienced side, minus former captain Chad Liddell and including only nine Melbourne listed players. Port Melbourne recruit Jarod Plymin was an inclusion for the first time and Rennie Gilchrist, Sam Monaghan and Marc Johnston were all back after stints with the reserves.
The Zebras made a strong start but the locals looked promising as they clawed their way to a four-point lead at the first change, thanks to some inaccuracy on the part of the Sandy forwards. However, from the opening bounce of the second term, the Devils went into their collective shells and allowed the visitors to go on a goal-kicking spree that netted them 28 goals in the final three quarters, including 15 straight goals that were unanswered until late in the third quarter.
The local team was so insipid that it could barely raise a whimper in the final stanza, as the Zebras dominated in virtually every facet of the game. Spearhead Nick Sautner was a focal point up forward, finishing with 10 goals six behinds in a stunning performance. The dangerous forward kicked his goals from everywhere, including a couple from the boundary. He was helped by some undisciplined efforts from the Tassie defenders, including one passage where he was rewarded with a double goal as a result of their frustration. In its latter stages, the game tended to have a surrealistic feel as Sandy kept piling on the goals to finish by kicking 13 in a dazzling final quarter.
Much of the pre-game publicity was focussed on the clash between Sautner and Tassie's full back Brennan Savage, who had quelled Fraser Gehrig on Anzac Day, and who has developed a reputation as a tough customer. However, the hype fizzled out when the 30 year-old spearhead started a procession of goals. He is now placed comfortably on top of the VFL goal kicking table with 33 for the season, and is heading for an eighth Frosty Miller Medal.
Naturally, when a forward kicks a bag of goals, he is usually the recipient of some good service from further afield, and Saturday's game was no exception. Tomi Johnston, skipper Peter Summers and relative newcomers Chris Waller and Shane Tregear were impressive. Experienced pair Ezra Poyas and Adem Yze, who missed last week's rout at Williamstown, also made their presence felt with their skilful and positive play.
Half back Chris Johnson continued his sparkling form of recent weeks, and his running through the lines and excellent disposal was a highlight. His fellow defender Andy Biddlecombe might not have fond memories of Tasmania after a clash at Bellerive two years ago left him with a broken jaw, but he had the last laugh with a brilliant display of his defensive capability. Most of the back line had an easy day at the office due to the team's midfield dominance after quarter time, but they were all generally well on top, and managed to repel most of the opposition's attempted forays up forward with relative ease.
Ben Holland was impressive with four goals and some strong marking, and Lynden Dunn and Addam Maric showed good skills. Matthew Whelan saw out the game this week after his recent problems ,and would be one of the Melbourne contingent who were looking closely at Hawthorn's players in the afternoon game in the hope of being included in the team to be opposed to them next Sunday at the MCG.
Meanwhile, Sandringham will have the opportunity to consolidate its place in the top four on the same day as Melbourne takes on the Hawks, when it returns to Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval with an assignment against the Northern Bullants. The reserves, who had the bye this week, are also well placed for a berth in the finals.
Sandringham 3.6.24 - 10.12.72 - 18.14.122 - 31.17.203
Tasmania 4.4.28 - 4.6.30 - 5.9.39 - 7.9.51
Goals
Sandringham: Sautner 10 Holland 4 Poyas 3 Dunn C Johnson Maric Waller Yze 2 Gilchrist Meesen Spencer Tregear
Tasmania: Shackleton 4 Bongetti 2 Smith
Best
Sandringham: C Johnson Biddlecombe Sautner Poyas T Johnston Waller
Tasmania: Geappen Shackleton Long Richter Street Creese
