Sandy Match Report - Interesting Times

[Demonland 72,180]

INTERESTING TIMES by Barry from Beach Road

These are interesting times for the VFL competition.

Last Thursday, the course of the Sandringham Football Club was changed forever with the announcement that its union with the Melbourne Football Club will be replaced by a new five-year deal with St. Kilda at the end of the year.

In the meantime there was still half a season to be played out. There were games to be won and business to be done with the first assignment being to overcome Collingwood at Trevor Barker Oval. This encounter was looming as a danger game in view of the growing injury lists at both Melbourne and Sandringham which forced nine changes to the Zebra line up from the one that played against the Northern Bullants the week before the VFL interstater against South Australia.

There was also the question of how the Demon players were going to tackle this game in the light of last week’s announcement and the fact that their own AFL club was negotiating a move to Casey Fields to enter into an alignment with the Saints' current partner, the Scorpions.

Of course, there was no need to question the professionalism of the players from both clubs and the Zebra team applied the usual commitment and exceptional team spirit to produce a comfortable 30 point win in what was otherwise a rather lacklustre event.

Sandringham was missing in form champion full forward Nick Sautner who broke his hand in two places late in the Bullants game a fortnight ago. Also missing were last minute withdrawals Tomi Johnston, Shane Tregear and Chris Waller – all young, fast and in recent good form. Ben Holland, originally named at full forward to replace Sautner, failed to prove his fitness and missed out, leaving rookie Demon Trent Zomer to make his senior debut after showing good form with the reserves.

The game opened in bright winter sunshine with a large crowd enjoying the mild conditions at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. Sandy was out of the blocks early with Mark Jamar dominating the ruck and pushing forward for an early goal followed quickly by another to Addam Maric.

Shane Valenti was winning the early clearances and playing an important role in ensuring that the team moved the ball well on the small ground. He was however, on the receiving end of some heavy attention and was soon involved in a scuffle with his tagger which saw both their names entered in the umpires' books for wrestling.

Newcomer Zomer was lively early. He moved well, was prepared to handball to advantage rather than take risky shots for goal and had two goals on the board as the Zebras went into the quarter time huddle with a 19-point lead. He finished with three to be leading goal scorer on the ground for the day.

Sandringham's work rate dropped off in the second quarter but the visitors' inaccuracy in front of goal meant that the Zebras did not have to pay the price of their lapses in terms of scoreboard pressure. Both teams were being forced to make mistakes and the game turned into a dull affair by the time the teams took to the rooms at the main break.

By that time Collingwood was still 16 points in arrears and would not be allowed back into the game by the much vaunted miserly Zebra defence which simply strangled the Magpie attack in the second half keeping it down to just two goals.

The ever-improving Stefan Martin kept his opponent quiet all day, Nathan Carroll had the better of Collingwood speedster Chris Egan, Andy Biddlecombe was rock solid as usual, Matthew Whelan collared any of the Magpies smalls who had the temerity to stand against him and Chris Lamb was unstoppable as Jaxson Barham soon discovered when he tried to run through and not around him.

With Jamar (25 disposals) and John Meesen easily accounting for the Magpie rucks, Peter Summers dominated at the stoppages and finished the game with 34 touches. Along with Valenti and irrepressible running link men Chris Johnson (who again put in a blinder) and Simon Buckley, the Zebras held all the aces although the Magpies fought the game out right to the final siren. Rod Crowe was extremely important at centre half forward with his creative play and movement that often put the Magpie defence off its guard and Port Melbourne recruit Jarrod Plymin picked up a lot of possessions in another strong display.

The victory has dispelled fears that the impending break up of the alliance between Melbourne and Sandringham might affect the team's performance for the remainder of the year. The players combined and they have always done for the past eight and a half years of the partnership which has seen four Zebra flags and many players from both clubs develop into fine footballers.

The fact that three Sandy players – Matthew Warnock, Shane Valenti and Stefan Martin are now on the Demons' list speaks volumes for the success of the partnership forged in late 1999.

Sandringham retains third place on the ladder and ironically, its sixth win of the season has set up what should be a fascinating encounter next Saturday when it confronts the fourth placed Scorpions at Casey Fields.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Simon Buckley - a classy display from the Demon runner and, although overshadowed by his counterpart Chris Johnson's own brilliant performance, his disposal is definitely improving and he is showing signs of greater maturity in his play.

Nathan Carroll - far too strong and too good for Collingwood speedster Chris Egan who must have nightmares whenever he thinks of the Trevor Barker Beach Oval. Last year he damaged his knee there and this year Carroll dismantled him in a brutal a manner as only a tough defender can do.

Kyle Cheney - quiet early with limited opportunities but, as the game went on, the dogged young defender showed enough to suggest he will develop into a very handy and tough member of the back line. The educational value of playing alongside Matty Whelan for just this day alone would be inestimable.

Mark Jamar - a clear winner in the ruck against Cameron Wood and he also dominated around the ground. If only he could play like that at the higher level!

Chris Johnson - owned the football and was clearly the best man on the ground. He showed great polish in his movement, in his decision making and in his disposal of the football and I would be astonished if he wasn't selected to play against Richmond next week.

Addam Maric - busy early up forward and also had the occasional run of the ball where he flashed in and out of the play. He shows that he is learning to add new dimensions to his game, particularly in terms of his defensive skills which he need to hone if he is to be a success in the big time. The task is to convert him from a clever forward pocket into a dangerous, elite midfielder - a long term development project which could pay large dividends for the club in the future.

Stefan Martin – a very polished defensive display which saw him completely outclass his opponent. Runs well out of defence for a tall man and is clearly being groomed for a key defensive post at the highest level. He looks like a quick learner as he seems to be doing all of the right things.

John Meesen – has great agility and did well in the ruck and around the ground although he was dominated somewhat by his senior ruck partner in Mark Jamar.

Shane Valenti - was very good and won a fair bit of the ball although he was closely tagged all day. He didn't seem to mind the attention although could have received a little more protection from the men in orange (aka the umpires).

Isaac Weetra - a last minute inclusion in the side who had a quiet day.

Matthew Whelan - the consummate small/medium defender whose experience and natural defensive talent shone through. He blocked, he punched, he anticipated the fall of the ball and marked and cleared like the seasoned campaigner that he is and he should also be back at Melbourne next week.

Trent Zomer – kicked three on debut and will benefit greatly from whatever time he spends at this level in the absence of Sautner, Holland and Newton. Needs to build up his strength to be able to hold his ground against strong bodied defenders but if he applies himself to the task, he could become a senior key position player which is just what the Demons are looking for in view of the retirement of Neitz and the injury to Robbo.

Sandringham 5.2.32 7.5.47 9.11.65 11.13.79

Collingwood 2.1.13 4.7.31 5.8.38 6.13.49

Goals

Sandringham Zomer 3 Liddell Maric 2 Jamar C Johnson Poyas Whelan

Collingwood Iles 2 Anthony Carmody McCarthy Yaman

Best

Sandringham C Johnson Whelan Martin Jamar Biddlecombe Valenti

Collingwood Iles Pendlebury Crow Stanley Carmody Anthony

Reported

Sandringham S Valenti (San) for wrestling D Nicholls (Coll) in the 1st quarter

Collingwood D Nicholls (Coll) for wrestling S Valenti (San) in the 1st quarter

The irony of the week's events was brought home by the fact that the first game played by Sandringham after Thursday's change of affiliation announcement was the reserves curtain raiser against Casey Scorpions. The late changes left the Zebras in a bit of a quandry and without the full squad causing them some heart flutters late in the game but they were still good enough to win by 15 points. Maddison Hardiman and Sam Monaghan continued on with their good recent form and the goals were spread around with Stuart Cleeve, Scott Lockwood and Jake Williams booting three apiece. Demon Ricky Petterd who has been out since round 1 made his return from injury in this game.

Sandringham 4.3.27 8.7.55 14.10.94 16.12.108

Casey Scorpions 3.1.19 6.6.42 8.10.58 13.15.93

Goals

Sandringham Cleeve Lockwood Williams 3 Lyall 2 Cannon Hardiman Monaghan Petterd Shakaib

Casey Scorpions Vernon Williams 3 Leung 2 Arezzolo Fridman Griffiths Haretuku Mercoulia

Best

Sandringham Hardiman Monaghan Shakaib Williams McConnell Fleming

Casey Scorpions Galvin Williams Griffiths Mercoulia Vernon Waite

[Eastie Boyz 0]

As a random note: I played against both the Williams and Leung mentioned in Casey's reserves goals/best when they/i were Under 16s.

Curious that Petterd couldn't sneak into the best in the 2s though

[Yze_Magic 3]

We have some real depth as far as young talent goes.

Great to see Zomer kick 3.

Great news about Stefan Martin.

Good to hear Meesen did something.

Buckley should never have been dropped by the Demons.

[w00dy 146]

thanks for the report barry... CJ must come in!

any chance we can convert you to a scorpions fan next season ?

[John Dee 445]

As a random note: I played against both the Williams and Leung mentioned in Casey's reserves goals/best when they/i were Under 16s.

Curious that Petterd couldn't sneak into the best in the 2s though

I got there just as the last quarter started; I assume that Pettard only played a half or three-quarters as the first time I saw him was when they were all shaking hands at the end of the game.

[Nasher 33,616]

I got there just as the last quarter started; I assume that Pettard only played a half or three-quarters as the first time I saw him was when they were all shaking hands at the end of the game.

That makes sense. "Senior" players playing in the Sandy reserves is usually an indication that the coach only wants them to play half a game to blow out the cobwebs.

I imagine the next step for Petterd is a full game in the Sandy reserves, then back in to the Sandy seniors ready to press for selection again.

Glad to have him back.

[grazman 7,432]

That makes sense. "Senior" players playing in the Sandy reserves is usually an indication that the coach only wants them to play half a game to blow out the cobwebs.

I imagine the next step for Petterd is a full game in the Sandy reserves, then back in to the Sandy seniors ready to press for selection again.

Glad to have him back.

If he was coming back from a hamstring Nash I'd agree, but I believe it's OP. In which case I don't want to see him playing more than half a game for the next few weeks, certainly not a full game until next year. The problems we've had previously with OP is that as an injury it simply can't be "risk managed". The chances of a a reccurence of the injury are extremely high. He shouldn't be playing for Sandy seniors until he's ready to play a full game IMO. The problems that we've had before is that players who were on programmes for OP were forced to play far more game time due to injuries to other players - the end result, the programme goes out the window and we're back to square one.

[Rogue 585]

Good to see CJ put in yet another good performance, and really demand selection.

Valenti's report has come at a bad time, considering Moloney is injured. Hopefully he's available for selection, as there may be a spot in the midfield available.

What was Buckley's workrate and defensive pressure like?

[w00dy 146]

Valenti's report has come at a bad time, considering Moloney is injured. Hopefully he's available for selection, as there may be a spot in the midfield available.

he was just reported for wrestling, so he shouldn't be suspended i wouldn't think...

[John Dee 445]

Good to see CJ put in yet another good performance, and really demand selection.

Valenti's report has come at a bad time, considering Moloney is injured. Hopefully he's available for selection, as there may be a spot in the midfield available.

What was Buckley's workrate and defensive pressure like?

I didn't think that Buckley's work was all that special, but, he has too much class to be left languishing at Sandy, his cruising speed is faster than most bloke's tops at that level.

[Rogue 585]

vanlo - cheers.

I didn't think that Buckley's work was all that special, but, he has too much class to be left languishing at Sandy, his cruising speed is faster than most bloke's tops at that level.

I don't think he necessarily deserves a game if he won't chase etc. His workrate and defensive efforts for the Dees hasn't been great.

[DemonDave 1,089]

CJ was BOG by a mile, one of the best games I have seen from him, and clearly its a continuation of previous weeks efforts. If he isnt rewarded with a senior tilt next week there's something seriously wrong.

Was very impressed with the first halves of Zomer and Maric, however both need to work on playing 4 quarters as I thought Maric was hardly sighted after half time.

Weetra I think I counted have 2 kicks for the entire game, he will be dropped back down to Sandy 2nds.

Great to see both Valenti and Summers work exceptionally hard to break their tags, although Iles got 2 goals, Summers was still very effective.

Spoke to the Sandy assistant coach who hapened to make the Melbourne FC's 150 Heroes list at Fed Square on the Monday, and he said that until Buckley improves the defensive side of his game, he won't be back in the seniors, and Sundays efforts did little to dispel that. He also mentioned that Sauntner wants to play this week, despite being plastered up on Sunday, and that Newton would be back this week most likely in Sandy seniors.

[Rogue 585]

Spoke to the Sandy assistant coach who hapened to make the Melbourne FC's 150 Heroes list at Fed Square on the Monday, and he said that until Buckley improves the defensive side of his game, he won't be back in the seniors

It's good to hear that they're working on that side of his game.

[Deeoldfart 8,030]

If he was coming back from a hamstring Nash I'd agree, but I believe it's OP. In which case I don't want to see him playing more than half a game for the next few weeks, certainly not a full game until next year. The problems we've had previously with OP is that as an injury it simply can't be "risk managed". The chances of a a reccurence of the injury are extremely high. He shouldn't be playing for Sandy seniors until he's ready to play a full game IMO. The problems that we've had before is that players who were on programmes for OP were forced to play far more game time due to injuries to other players - the end result, the programme goes out the window and we're back to square one.

Ricky was interviewed at the Demons after match function on Monday, and said that he hoped to play 75% of the match with the Zebra 2s next week.

[Freddy Fuschia 741]

Ricky was interviewed at the Demons after match function on Monday, and said that he hoped to play 75% of the match with the Zebra 2s next week.

Apparently the Zebra ressies were short of players because of last minute changes to their senior team and this would have made it hard for them given Petterd was being eased in on his return to the game. A funny quirk of the VFL reserves draw has them playing Casey again this week so at least he'll be familiar with the type of opposition he's confronting.

[drdrake 3,163]

Good to see a young key forward kicking goals. Zomer is big and can kick goals, besides Newton who I don't think is a key forward more a HFF, Zomer is the only young key forward we have.

[DeeM 42]

Trent Zomer – kicked three on debut and will benefit greatly from whatever time he spends at this level in the absence of Sautner, Holland and Newton. Needs to build up his strength to be able to hold his ground against strong bodied defenders but if he applies himself to the task, he could become a senior key position player which is just what the Demons are looking for in view of the retirement of Neitz and the injury to Robbo.

[Guest Schtacker]

Hey Bazza, Re: Marric "The task is to convert him from a clever forward pocket into a dangerous, elite midfielder "

What makes you think this is his destiny? Wasn't he recruited as a clever small forward?

[Juice Newton 0]

Buckley needs to come back to the one's. CJ has been tried and found wanting at the next level for too long, and unless further injuries, he should be sent packing (althought with jace bode's lamentable performance on monday, he might find a niche in the side).

I can't beleive that Isaac Weetra got two games with us at the start of the season. At the moment, he is no where nere AFL level. maybe next year...

As for Jamar and Meesen. Jamar should be delisted, but meesen is worth persisting with by all reports, but should be used sparingly as a back up to Paul Johnson.

[DeeBest 13]

The irony of the week's events was brought home by the fact that the first game played by Sandringham after Thursday's change of affiliation announcement was the reserves curtain raiser against Casey Scorpions.

And they meet again next Saturday. Quite rediculous the same teams play each other twice within 6 days!

[Whispering_Jack 30,093]

Hey Bazza, Re: Marric "The task is to convert him from a clever forward pocket into a dangerous, elite midfielder "

What makes you think this is his destiny? Wasn't he recruited as a clever small forward?

Clever small forwards are a dime a dozen these days. Dangerous elite midfielders are what make your side in modern football.

[dee-luded 2,959]

vanlo - cheers.

I don't think he necessarily deserves a game if he won't chase etc. His workrate and defensive efforts for the Dees hasn't been great.

IMO Buckley needs to develope his engine, I think he runs outa petrol.

Does some work then puffs & blows, hands on hips. Maybe this is why he's not doing enough defencively.

[Rogue 585]

IMO Buckley needs to develope his engine, I think he runs outa petrol.

Does some work then puffs & blows, hands on hips. Maybe this is why he's not doing enough defencively.

That might be the cause, yes.

[Deelicious9 0]

CJ was BOG by a mile, one of the best games I have seen from him, and clearly its a continuation of previous weeks efforts. If he isnt rewarded with a senior tilt next week there's something seriously wrong.

Was very impressed with the first halves of Zomer and Maric, however both need to work on playing 4 quarters as I thought Maric was hardly sighted after half time.

Weetra I think I counted have 2 kicks for the entire game, he will be dropped back down to Sandy 2nds.

Great to see both Valenti and Summers work exceptionally hard to break their tags, although Iles got 2 goals, Summers was still very effective.

Spoke to the Sandy assistant coach who hapened to make the Melbourne FC's 150 Heroes list at Fed Square on the Monday, and he said that until Buckley improves the defensive side of his game, he won't be back in the seniors, and Sundays efforts did little to dispel that. He also mentioned that Sauntner wants to play this week, despite being plastered up on Sunday, and that Newton would be back this week most likely in Sandy seniors.

Just thought i'd let you know that Buckley was moved onto Danny Nicholls (VFL state rover) in the 2nd quarter because he was getting a fair bit of it. In the second half he had 1 possesion on Bucks. Just a reminder that he can play defensive when given a task. I think he just needs to be constantly reminded of it.

[w00dy 146]

Just thought i'd let you know that Buckley was moved onto Danny Nicholls (VFL state rover) in the 2nd quarter because he was getting a fair bit of it. In the second half he had 1 possesion on Bucks. Just a reminder that he can play defensive when given a task. I think he just needs to be constantly reminded of it.

how much of the ball did bucks get once moved onto him? it's fine to get him to play tight, but his asset is to run and rebound... what he needs to learn to do is know when to run off and attack off half back, and when to man up and become accountable...

he also needs greater composure when he has the ball, tends to blaze away pretty quickly...