The standard of today’s VFL football does not allow a team to take its opponent lightly, or a victory for granted without there being consequences. Such was the case in the first quarter at Trevor Barker Oval as a distinct lack of intensity and endeavour and some indiscipline by the Zebras allowed current bottom side North Ballarat to dictate terms against the wind and emerge with a 5 point lead at the first change. Coach Graeme Yeats made his feelings known at the break, with the chance for a good start thwarted. The Roosters played with confidence, self belief and a skill level which belied their lowly position on the ladder. Sandringham then lifted their rating but were always playing catch-up football, and despite wresting the lead in the final quarter, some defensive errors caused by good pressure from the North forwards allowed the Roosters back in to seal the game.

Mark Jamar once again rucked solidly and did some smart things around the ground, and despite good back up from Chris Bryan, found the great bulk of former Richmond big man Stephen Jurica difficult to counter, especially at stoppages. Adam Fisher played another good game. He was in everything and chimed in with 2 clever goals and was well supported in the midfield by David Robbins, Mark Haynes and the Radford brothers. Robert Ferraro led the Zebra defence with further solid efforts from Chris Lamb and Damian Lynch. Aaron Rogers had a mixed game where his good work was let down by some erratic disposal allowing the Roosters to cash in.

Nick Smith proved a good target at centre half forward. He took a number of impressive marks but four behinds didn’t really hurt the Roosters enough. Lachlan Oakley was again dangerous but there was not enough support at ground level for the Zebras to mount real scoreboard pressure. Paul Wheatley was busy and seemed set for a good game after booting a long goal in the second term, but he succumbed to hamstring trouble and was not seen in the second half.

Ezra Poyas started forward and was active but wasn’t among the goals, while Cameron Hunter did some good things in defence but found space and time at a premium against a disciplined North forward group. Sandy could at least come away from the game with some positives as youngsters Andrew Treloar and first gamer Matthew Warnock acquitted themselves well. Warnock goaled with his first kick early in the third quarter after a brilliant intercept which gave his team mates great heart, and was promising deep in attack in the hectic last quarter.

A disappointing result for the Zebras as they would have been looking forward to a strong win to gain some momentum going into the finals. Despite this stumble, they remain 4th and Graeme Yeats will not allow a similar result in next week’s final home and away outing against Brett Lovett’s Frankston.

Sandringham: 3.4.22 4.7.31 9.11.65 12.16.88
North Ballarat: 4.3.27 7.8.50 10.8.68 14.14.98

Goals:Oakley 3, Fisher 2, Robbins, S. Radford, Haynes, Wheatley, Jamar, Howarth, Warnock

Reserves

Complacency was not an issue for Sandy reserves who went about their work demolishing their opponents to the tune of 127 points. A bright opening against the wind sealed North Ballarat’s fate and if not for some wayward kicking for goal with the wind to the tune of 14.20, the result could have been embarrassing.

Fine efforts from key men Rick Hayward in attack and Carl Brunier in defence in the absence of the promoted Matthew Warnock gave the dominant Zebra small men in Ari Lewski, Leigh Fletcher, Toby Conroy, Michael Talbot, Pat Phelan and the dangerous Matthew Gadsen plenty of opportunities and focus in attack. Ever the opportunist, Trent Zantuck capitalised fully on this smorgasbord of opportunity with 6 goals in a terrific display. So miserly was the Sandy defence that North did not score against the wind. Dale Carson played with some effect at full forward, his leading at times a treat, and could have really cashed in had he been a little more accurate. Given a good pre-season and some work on his kicking action, he could emerge as a real find for the Demons.

Coach mark Sarau must be pleased once again with the application and endeavour of all his players in going for the kill when the opportunity arose. Despite a long injury list his charges play with great confidence in each other and in the game plan.

Sandringham: 5.1.31 10.11.71 12.14.86 21.24.150
North Ballarat: 1.4.10 1.4.10 3.5.23 3.5.23

Goals:Zantuck 6, Carson 4, Phelan 3, Gadsen 2, Turner 2, Richardson, Talbot, Hayward, Lewski