Looks like Diamond is getting ahead of himself or just his usual lazy writing Its a bit of a low bow to name Sandy as premiers when the season hasnt started and with the many unknown factors at play with an alinged club
VFL 2016: Your guide to the year ahead
Date
April 2, 2016 - 8:22PM
Brent Diamond
Sandringham is anticipating this to be their final season aligned to St Kilda, as the Saints aim to field a stand-alone VFL club, preferably at a redeveloped Moorabbin from next season.
It may well be the perfect finale to an alignment with the Zebras in serious premiership contention, along with Williamstown, Footscray and Collingwood.
Zebras general manager John Mennie said the club has been planning for a stand-alone team – as they gathered a solid Zebras list before "the reality sets in" at the end of the season when the alignment expires. There is yet to be a discussion between both parties to confirm plans for 2017. But this could be their best chance to win a flag since their last in 2006.
Of course, it is not all doom and gloom. Williamstown, last season, joined Port Melbourne in winning a flag - a timely reminder that it can be achieved as a stand-alone team despite the growing number of AFL stand-alone clubs.
Coach Paul Hudson last season correctly flagged a return to the top four. Now there's a strong belief at the club – in a predicted even season – that they can go one better with a galvanised group that includes improved Saints depth players such as Darren Minchington and Josh Saunders.
Hudson's Tassie connection allowed him to snare leading Hobart City full-forward Julian Dobosz and delisted Cat George Burbury, also from the Apple Isle.
