The Sandringham Football Club is saddened to hear of the passing of past player, Dennis Oakley.
Dennis Oakley was one of the finest players ever to pull on the Zebras jumper! He was tough not that tall a "Collingwood six footer" and a great mark for his size and built like Leigh Mathews ! His brother Ross Oakley always said Dennis was better than him even though Ross played over 100 games for St Kilda.
I saw his first game against Box Hill at Box Hill when he was 19 he kicked 3 goals and you could see he had something special. He kicked 119 goals in 1959 including 16 in one match alone.
Unfortunately because of a dispute with coach he left the club and went to Highett in the Federal league for3 yearsin what would have been his best years. VALE Dennis
"Dennis played 103 games for the Zebras from 1957-1961 and 1965-1966, kicking 432 goals in that time. He played in the 1960 Grand Final and won the Club Best & Fairest in 1965. Dennis was the VFL Leading Goalkicker three times (1959, 1960 and 1965) and Club Leading Goalkicker five times (1958-61 and 1965), kicking 119 goals in the 1959 season alone, and was inducted into the Sandringham Football Club Hall of Fame in 2004. Dennis' sons, Ben and Lachlan, also played for the Sandringham Football Club. Dennis was a legend of the Club and a significant figure in our history. He was a wonderful person and a Minister of Religion who was well respected by all. We send our deepest condolences to Dennis' family and friends."
