Seaford ace among Zebra newcomers
From http://www.localfooty.com.au
Reported by Paul Amy
BEFORE Christmas Sandringham general manager John Mennie was fretting about his club's lack of recruits.
``We can't get a deal over the line,'' he said, noting how the Zebras had been outdone by Port Melbourne for AFL pair Shane Valenti and Adam Bentick.
But the past fortnight brought a string of signatures for Sandy, including delisted St Kilda utility Brad Howard, two more disenchanted Frankston Dolphins in James Magner and Nick Benbow, highly-regarded Seaford centreman Chris Irving, former Melbourne and Box Hill forward Cameron Hunter and Daniel Sands from Woodville West Torrens.
Throw in Sandringham Dragons graduates Jonno Nash, Dylan Jones and Sam O'Sullivan, and Dandenong Stingrays James Hallinan and Maddison Andrews, and Mennie's worries have eased considerably.
Of the recruits, only Howard is coming from an AFL club (the former Queenslander played two matches for the Saints in 2008).
But Magner, strong and spirited, is nearing the top rung of VFL midfielders and Irving shapes as one of those suburban players who can make a duck-to-water transition to the state league.
He has been the dominant player of the Mornington Peninsula league for the past three years, winning two competition best and fairest and playing in a hat-trick of premierships.
Last year, he also won the medal as best-afield for the Victorian Country team against the VAFA.
His dreadlocks and leg tattoos will initially take the eye, but more admiring looks will settle on his pace, spectacular marking and ability to kick goals.
Having already signed Michael Lourey and Kelvin Barnes, the Zebras now have four 2009 Frankston players in the bag.
But Mennie stressed that Sandy hadn't sought to take advantage of the off-season upheaval at Kars St. ``They all came to us,'' he said.
While Magner will assume a key role in the midfield, the experienced Benbow is capable of playing in key positions.
But first he must regain confidence in his body; last year injuries prompted him to quit football midseason.
Hunter is an intriguing addition to Sandy stocks. He played at the Trevor Barker Oval during his time at Melbourne (where he got in two games), then went to Box Hill Hawks and Balwyn.
He seems to have been around for moons, but in fact is only 25.
Former Casey Scorpions high-flyer Chris Worner is also with the Zebras.
