Sandringham Zebras news

Inconsistent Zebras find their form

From The Age
Reported by Sean Cusick

DEFENDING premier Sandringham has hit back at speculation it is past its prime, destroying Port Melbourne by 66 points at TEAC Oval.

The Zebras, chasing a historic fourth consecutive VFL flag, were third on the ladder after two convincing losses from their past three matches.

However, yesterday they produced three of the most destructive quarters of football this season to pummel the highly rated Borough into submission.

After kicking just six behinds in the first quarter, Sandy exploded after the first break to pile on 20 goals, including five to livewire Ezra Poyas.

Port never looked in it after quarter-time, despite a five-goal haul from David Pitt that included three in as many minutes early in the last term.

While John Milhuisen was superb in holding Nick Sautner to just one goal, his effort was countered by Sandringham's Andy Biddlecombe doing an impressive job on powerful Port spearhead Jeremy Dukes.

Top Dees prove handy for Sandrigham

From Herald Sun
Reported by Geoff Poulter

SEVERAL Melbourne-listed players were among the best performers in Sandringham's impressive 11-goal win against Port Melbourne at Port yesterday.

 
Nathan Brown and Chris Johnson were particularly prominent and must be a chance for promotion after the Demons' 49-point loss to Richmond on Friday night.

Matthew Whelan, Brad Miller, Michael Newton (three goals), Simon Buckley and Colin Garland were other Melbourne players to stand out against Port.

Sandy didn't score a goal in the first term but then rattled on six, seven and seven in the next three quarters in an awesome display of power and teamwork.

The Zebras had been a bit wobbly in recent weeks but are now firm favourites to win their fourth straight flag.

"I wouldn't say a stumble, but we had to re-focus," Sandringham coach Mark Williams said.

Pickett, Robertson star for Sandy

From the Sunday Herald-Sun

Reported by Howard Leigh
Full article Click here


MELBOURNE'S troubled season is in for a boost if yesterday's VFL match between Sandringham and Williamstown was anything to go by.

pickettByron Pickett, Russell Robertson, Paul Wheatley and Clint Bizzell all had a huge impact in yesterday's match at the Trevor Barker Oval.

Robertson, 28, sidelined with a hyper-extension to his left knee since Round 2, booted 4.3 from 17 possessions and eight marks in Sandringham's 20-point win.

It leaves the Zebras unbeaten on top of the VFL ladder after the 16.16 (112) to 13.12 (90) win.

Robertson later declared he was ready to return to the Melbourne side for next Sunday's game against the Kangaroos.

Pickett had 16 touches and seven marks floating across the half-forward line and kicked two goals.

Pickett banned for missing match

From Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has imposed a one-game suspension on Byron Pickett after he failed to attend the club's match against the Western Bulldogs on Sunday.

Pickett was an emergency for the game against the Bulldogs, but has admitted to Melbourne he drank alcohol the night before the game.

He has been ruled out of selection for both Melbourne and its VFL affiliate Sandringham this weekend, and has been told he will not be considered for senior selection for the next four weeks.

"The football department, in consultation with the senior leadership group, have requested Byron to consider his future during this week," Melbourne said in a statement.

"If Byron decides to continue his future with the Melbourne Football Club, he will be required to play with Sandringham Football Club for at least four weeks, and will not be considered for AFL selection in that time period.

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