AMBUSHED by Barry from Beach Road

Sandringham succumbed to the wind, the rain and a far more committed and disciplined Box Hill Hawks at the Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval on Sunday. The Hawks won the hard slog in difficult conditions by 15 points pushing the Zebras from first to third place on the VFL ladder.

Box Hill took advantage of the best conditions of a bad day for football and booted eight goals to virtually seal the game by quarter time. After Sandy spearhead Nick Sautner scored the first goal of the day against the wind, a touch of arrogance crept into the Zebra makeup. The team dropped its guard for a fatal ten minutes and was ambushed by a determined Box Hill combination. During that period, the visitors had all the answers while the home side stumbled and made some fundamental errors like kicking short into the wind and to a contest, leaving the goal square unguarded for a couple of goals and giving away needless free kicks within scoring distance of the opposition's goal. They fell right into Box Hill's trap and by the time the siren sounded to end the opening stanza, trailed by 38 points.

There were very few players able to hold their heads high in the huddle but to their credit the Zebras managed to regroup after the first break but there was a problem. They had given away too great a lead and had to play catch up football all the way to the final siren and while they managed to whittle down the Box Hill lead in every quarter, poor kicking for goal dented any chance they may have held for victory.

The fact that Box Hill kicked only four goals after the first break and still managed a relatively comfortable winning margin tells most of the story.

The rest of the story is that Sandringham was sloppy in front of goal and, despite looking stronger around the ground for the last three quarters, it allowed the Hawks to dictate how the game was being played. Sandy was often forced wide and struggled to go direct even with the wind. The result was a wasteful result on the scoreboard. This wastefulness was accentuated when Box Hill kicked the last two goals of the opening half against the wind. These goals were to prove invaluable in the final wash up.

The Zebra cause was not assisted by the elements, particularly after half time when the rains came down and scoring was made all the more difficult. Sandy had more of the play and even outscored Box Hill when kicking against the wind in the third quarter, but the top heavy forward line simply couldn't find the goals often enough. Perhaps, a smaller crumber like Tomi Johnston who booted five in the reserves might have helped on the day. Meanwhile, Box Hill's only goal of the second half was a long booming shot with the wind after a free kick was awarded against the Zebras for a ruck infringement

Despite a noticeable lift in intensity in the final term from the likes of Peter Summers and Matthew Whelan, the Zebra efforts were smothered and stifled by a disciplined defensive Box Hill outfit intent on keeping them at bay. The strategy worked with the Hawks wasting away the final minutes while Sandringham tried unsuccessfully to push for goals. They managed to score one solitary major with a strong wind at their backs in the final quarter.

Better Sandy players on the day were Matthew Warnock and Andy Biddlecombe (although outsized by bigger opponents). They held the defence together under difficult conditions along with young Colin Garland who assisted them manfully and showed loads of promise. Summers in the middle and Rod Crowe up forward were good contributors.

Unfortunately, eight goals from 28 shots at goal (more if you count a couple that went out of bounds on the full) is not the sort of dividend that helps to secure victory. In its past two matches Sandringham has posted 23 goals 37 behinds to 24.17. The forwards will need to be more accurate with their disposal if they are to overcome old rival Port Melbourne at TEAC Oval on Sunday. The Borough hit top form and destroyed Werribee at the same ground last week while Sandy has lost two out of its last three outings putting it under more intense pressure than at any time since its triple premiership run began in 2004.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Jace Bode - tried hard but failed to impress and finished on the umpire's report sheet.

Simon Buckley - flashed in and out of the play and looked good at times but wasn't able to stamp his authority on the game.

Lynden Dunn - just went in the dismal conditions and never looked like being a threatening player.

Colin Garland - you would expect a Tasmanian to do well in these conditions and he didn't let the team down. Played exceptionally well when his side was under fire in the first half.

Chris Johnson - started at half back, was injured early in the game and replaced before quarter time not to be seen again for the day. The injury appears to be a hamstring and he looks like being out for a few weeks.

Brad Miller - frozen out early, then on and off the ground as coach Williams juggled his top heavy forward line around. Never really got going which was a major disappointment after last week's six goal performance.

Shane Neaves - lowered his colours in the ruck and was, at best, patchy around the ground.

Michael Newton - started the game on the bench but when he got his opportunity on the ground he was more than useful. Kicked three goals, worked his butt off and went in hard enough for the ball in an attempt to satisfy his AFL coach to consider him this week given the skipper's out with a broken thumb. Would be better if he could time his leaps for the big marks a bit better and not attempt a screamer at every available half opportunity.

Byron Pickett - not even the striped jumper could hide the fact that he's still carrying a bit too much in the girth. Was among the best early, intimidated a few Box Hill defenders and kicked a magnificent goal on the run in the second quarter. However, by the final quarter, he seemed spent so I can't see him getting up for AFL selection on a five day break!

Matthew Warnock - the pick of the defenders. Played with dash and handled the conditions reasonably well all day.

Matthew Whelan - not his best game although he did get better as proceedings went on. Probably needs another run at this level.

Sandringham 2.2.14 6.9.45 7.14.56 8.20.68

Box Hill Hawks 8.4.52 11.5.71 12.8.80 12.11.83

Goals

Sandringham Newton Sautner 3 Pickett 2

Box Hill Hawks Thorp 4 Little 2 Breese Gibson McEntee Marguccio Moss Tuck

Best

Sandringham Warnock Pickett Whelan Summers Crowe Garland

Box Hill Hawks Kennedy Renouf Thorp Breese Thurgood Smith

Report

Sandringham Jace Bode for misconduct (kneeing) G. Moss from Box Hill in the first quarter.

The reserves turned the tables on Box Hill when they led all day to run out 21 point victors. Tomi Johnston picked up five goals and was the best small man on the ground while his former Sandringham Dragons teammate and Victorian Under 18 representative Sam Monaghan shone all day. Daniel Hayes was again prominent and looks full of promise.

Sandringham 4.5.29 10.8.68 12.12.84 14.20.104

Box Hill Hawks 3.6.24 6.7.43 9.10.64 12.11.83

Goals

Sandringham Johnston 5 Gileno Gribbin 2 Gilchrist Hayes Martyn Turcarelli Zarra

Box Hill Hawks Cook Conyers 3 Hill 2 Collins Daniher King Marcius

Best

Sandringham Monaghan Hayes Martyn Johnston Gilchrist Tregear

Box Hill Hawks O'Sullivan Marcius Augustin Weinert King Conyers

people often say that Newton flies for spectacular marks, and it seems that's ok because daniher has given him instructions to do so if he wants to...

but just a question...does he often stick these marks?

does he has Bate-like sticky hands? does he stick the marks on the lead every time? this is vital if he is to become our next fullforward so i was just wondering...people always seem to be noting that he flies for marks, but rarely do people note how he took one of these high flying grabs.

  sylvinator said:

people often say that Newton flies for spectacular marks, and it seems that's ok because daniher has given him instructions to do so if he wants to...

but just a question...does he often stick these marks?

does he has Bate-like sticky hands? does he stick the marks on the lead every time? this is vital if he is to become our next fullforward so i was just wondering...people always seem to be noting that he flies for marks, but rarely do people note how he took one of these high flying grabs.

I believe that the ability to take the hangers is something that comes with confidence and while Newton does have that ability he tends to overdo the attempts at the spectacular. The marks aren't all sticking ATM but they will if the kid is given his opportunity, especially on a bigger ground where he has more room.

  sylvinator said:

but just a question...does he often stick these marks?

does he has Bate-like sticky hands? does he stick the marks on the lead every time? this is vital if he is to become our next fullforward so i was just wondering...people always seem to be noting that he flies for marks, but rarely do people note how he took one of these high flying grabs.

His hangers are taken less than 50% of the time probably. But that's ok. His leading and overhead marking is up there with Bate, but not quite as prodigious. As a FF as long as he's instructed to, he'll be able to lead and mark often. The whole thing about him attempting hangers is that when he's out of position and can't get a run up, like Robbo, he can still get his hands to it.... get it to the deck and get the Davey's of this world a go...

And yes. On the lead I can't remeber him dropping one, even when heavily under the pump.

In the packs when he flies good things happen. And yes. He does take one a week usually.

He's like Robbo only he uses his hands and is tall...

Am I getting anyone excited? I know I am...

people on this board make him sound like a superstar. from his descriptions i wonder why he wasnt drafted pick1, had everyone raving about him and how he's the neitz wayne carey...

First time watching Sandy this year and so tried to focus on Newton and the demon players...

Newton must be given credit for working hard up and down the ground - he led to all parts of the ground...

However, the conundrum is who do you pick to replace Neitz? Miller, Dunn or Newton - the only one to impress was Newton...

  sylvinator said:

people on this board make him sound like a superstar. from his descriptions i wonder why he wasnt drafted pick1, had everyone raving about him and how he's the neitz wayne carey...

He's no superstar but his importance is magnified by the fact that we don't have many players capable of replacing Neitz who is now 32.

  Rampaging Demons said:

First time watching Sandy this year and so tried to focus on Newton and the demon players...

Newton must be given credit for working hard up and down the ground - he led to all parts of the ground...

However, the conundrum is who do you pick to replace Neitz? Miller, Dunn or Newton - the only one to impress was Newton...

So really there's no conundrum at all.

Vflfooty has posted an interesting match review from the boys at 3SER Casey FM courtesy of Anthony Brady

In the round 10 Casey Radio 3SER 97.7FM Match of the Round in the TRUenergy Victorian Football League for season 2007, the Box Hill Hawks caused a major upset, toppling a woefully inaccurate Sandringham side by 15 points at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval on Sunday.

Difficult conditions greeted the team at this ground which backs right onto Port Philip Bay in Melbourne. The breeze was very strong and swirly, heading towards the social club end of the ground. The near-freezing temperatures and hard rain kept some away, however with no AFL football in Melbourne, the crowd was a healthy 2,000, many of whom were there to celebrate Sandringham's 1997 premiership reunion. Luminaries in attendance included AFL games record holder Michael Tuck (there to watch his son) and deputy police commissioner Simon Overlander.

Box Hill captain Kristan Height won the toss and elected to kick with the wind in what would prove a decisive decision during the course of the game.

Coming into the game, the reigning triple-premiers in Sandringham were raging hot favourites, having lost only one game all season and being on top of the ladder. Box Hill, on the other hand, had been very disappointing, winning only two games and sitting second-bottom on the table.

The game began at a frenetic pace, but surprisingly it was Box Hill who were doing all the running. Despite early ruck dominance from Zebra Shane Neaves, the Box Hill midfielders in Ryan Breese, Matthew Ball and Travis Tuck continually sharked the hit-outs and pumped the Hawks forward with direct, fluent possession.

Young Hawthorn-listed Box Hill forwards in Mitch Thorp, Beau Muston and Matthew Little were leading their more experienced Sandringham opponents a merry dance, taking strong marks on the lead and kicking goals from all angles.

An eight-goal first term, and a 38-point quarter-time lead left the Sandringham players and faithful shellshocked. At the quarter-time break, Hawks coach Damien Christensen was particularly measured, trying not to get his very young charges too over-confident. He stressed accountability, to keep applying pressure to their direct opponents, and for young midfielders Breese and Josh Kennedy to continue helping out old hands Ball and Richard Eva in the centre.

As expected in the second term, the Zebras hit back. While Box Hill ruckman Nick Smith began getting on top of Neaves in the ruck, but it was now the experienced and stronger Sandringham bodies who were sharking the hit-outs and propelling the ball forward. Demons-listed players Byron Pickett and

Matthew Whelan began getting on top of their respective opponents, and when Pickett could keep his feet on the wet ground underneath, he was

particularly damaging, finding space on the wings and kicking two beautiful running goals in succession.

However, despite Sandringham's dominance around the ground, they continually frittered away changes in front of goal, major offenders including Lynden

Dunn and Brad Miller. The Zebras could only manage 4.7 for the term, and when Box Hill kicked a couple of late goals, the half-time margin was suddenly out to 26-points, a huge margin in the context of the game, with the rain now really setting in.

The third quarter was a real dour affair, with both teams struggling to hit targets with their possessions in the extremely wet and windy conditions. Zebra midfielder Peter Summers showed some class at times, and young Demon Colin Garland began getting on top down in defence.

While the Zebras had more of the ball again, they still could not convert accurately, managing only 1.5 for the term. Despite being outplayed, the Hawks still held a commanding four-goal lead at three-quarter time, and with the rain appearing to set in, the Zebras knew they very much had their backs against the wall.

At the final break, veteran Zebras coach Mark Williams gave a traditional "fire and brimstone" address, containing many words that probably should not have gone to air on Casey Radio. He implored his players to attack at all costs, stay in the corridor as much as possible to give the forwards easier shots on goals, and

basically be accountable for each man's opponent.

Again in the final term, the Zebras dominated general play. With Matthew Warnock and Rod Crowe controlling the stoppages, and Pickett and Tom Paterakis working hard forward-of-centre, the Zebras looked as though they were going to storm home.

However, each time the Zebras went forward, they still could not convert accurately. Dowler for the Hawks was moved into defence and continued to provide a contest, as did Hawthorn rookie Josh Thurgood.

In a huge upset, it ended up being enough for the Box Hill side to hold on for a sensational 15-point victory in a game where they kicked just one goal

after half-time, and had five less effective scoring shots than their opponents, a similar tale to their other giant-killing result this season, a 15-point victory three weeks ago over then top-of-the-table Geelong.

The quarter-by-quarter scores and goalkickers from this match are as follows:

Box Hill Hawks 8.4 11.5 12.8 12.11-83

Sandringham 2.2 6.9 7.14 8.20-68

Sandringham goalkickers: N. Sautner 3, M. Newton 3, B. Pickett 2.

Box Hill goalkickers: M. Thorp 4, M. Little 2, A. Marguccio, R. Breese, S.

Gibson, T. Tuck, L. McEntee, G. Moss.

Better players for the victorious Hawks included Hawthorn father-son selection Kennedy, who, along with Breese, was deliberately selected by coach Christensen to take the midfield heat of such playmakers as Ball and Eva, he definitely did his job, winning many contested possessions and putting the Hawks into attack on numerous occasions; Brent Renouf, who was diligent in his role as a quarterback, working hard to stop the continuous Zebra forays forward from the second quarter onwards, he was excellent in helping contain Zebra goalkicking legend Nick Sautner; Thorp, the Tasmanian who showed his ability is endless, providing a leading target inside the forward 50 arc, working hard on the lead and at ground level, and finishing with four goals; Breese, who not only nullified Zebra playmaker Shane Valenti, but also did some excellent work at the stoppages himself, being very direct and fluent with his disposals; Thurgood, who whilst still a

little too thin to be an AFL regular, showed continued improvement in defence for the Hawks, providing a strong body-on-body contest at every opportunity and shutting down many Zebra attacks; and, Smith, the Victorian representative was excellent in ruck, after getting beaten early by Neaves, he came back and dominated the stoppages from there on in, winning first usage for the Hawks on many occasions.

For the beaten Zebras, better players included Warnock, who was excellent in midfield, being very accountable for his various opponents and also propelling the Zebras into attack on many occasions; Pickett, who found a lot of space wide on the wings of Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval, and used some lightning pace and excellent vision to put the ball into excellent positions for the Zebras' marking forwards, his two running goals in succession in the second term being a real feature; Whelan, who worked hard in-and-under, winning many inside possessions for the Zebras and working hard to help the Zebras cause; Summers, who sharked many of Box Hill's Smith's hit-outs, and used his possessions effectively, keeping most of his disposals in the corridor and giving the Zebra forwards a chance one-out with their opponents, thanks to his quick and sharp delivery; Crowe, who toiled hard as a back-up ruckman to Neaves, his agility around the ground and adeptness below his knees being a feature; and, Garland, who was caught napping a few times in one-on-one contests in the Box Hill forward line early, but came back to keep the Box Hill side to just one goal for the entire second half, his body-on-body work being a real feature.

This excellent victory for the Hawks will see them go in full of confidence in their all-important home clash next Sunday against the stand-alone Frankston side. Coach Christensen said that only being allowed 12 AFL-listed players in this match won't affect his team, as their Box Hill-listed players are jelling together more as every week goes. The loss of veteran Matthew Ball, after 101 VFL games, will be a big one, he is going to Sweden to further his university studies.

For the Zebras, a huge game awaits them next Sunday at TEAC Oval against the vastly-improved Port Melbourne side, this appears as though it will be the

round 11 TRUenergy VFL Match of the Round.

In other round 10 results, and speaking of Port Melbourne, on Saturday in the televised game at TEAC Oval, the Borough were ruthless in their 80-point

smashing of the Werribee Tigers, this being the Tigers first loss since round four; in other Saturday action, North Ballarat had a hard-fought 14-point victory over a gallant Casey Scorpions side at AUSTAR Arena in Ballarat; in a Sunday AFL-game curtain raiser, Geelong continued Tasmania's woeful season, smashing them by 72 points in wet and woolly conditions down in Geelong, the successful return of AFL rookie Tom Lonergan, after losing a kidney almost 10 months ago, was a highlight; Williamstown continued on their merry way, accounting for a disappointing Northern Bullants side by 80 points at Burbank Oval in Williamstown; and, Coburg scored a solid 25-point victory over Frankston at Coburg City Oval, Richmond veteran Greg Tivendale showing there's life left in him yet, booting four goals for the victors.

The ladder at the completion of round 10 in the TRUenergy Victorian Football League for season 2007 sees the Cats return to the top of table on 28 points; followed by Williamstown, who are also on 28; Sandringham drop to third, again on 28; followed by Coburg (24); Port Melbourne (22); North Ballarat (20); Werribee (16); and, Bendigo rounds out the top eight, also on 16 points. Then, sitting outside the eight are the Northern Bullants (16); Frankston (12); Box Hill jumps up a place on 12 points; Casey (10); and, Tasmania prop up the ladder on four points.

As I mentioned earlier, next Sunday's huge match at TEAC Oval between Port Melbourne and Sandringham shapes as the Match of the Round, and Casey Radio 97.7FM will be there to cover all the action. Join the team live from 1.45pm on radio on 97.7FM, or on the web on www.3ser.org.au, where Kain Pollard and Chris Weaver will be calling all the action, assisted by myself on stats, and Dan Kelly and Jack Richter on special comments, ensuring all your TRUenergy VFL action for season 2007 is covered.

A few interesting perspectives -

- Newton kicked three and yet wasn't mentioned.

- Warnock played in the midfield and did well there.

- Garland played well in defence.

Disappointing that Miller and Dunn didn't take their chance, but it doesn't sound like Newton dominated.

  Rogue said:

- Warnock played in the midfield and did well there.

Really? Can you elaborate on this?

  Roger Mellie said:

Really? Can you elaborate on this?

im guessing rogue was referring to these quotes:

  Beach Road Bazza said:

...

Again in the final term, the Zebras dominated general play. With Matthew Warnock and Rod Crowe controlling the stoppages, and Pickett and Tom Paterakis working hard forward-of-centre, the Zebras looked as though they were going to storm home.

...

For the beaten Zebras, better players included Warnock, who was excellent in midfield, being very accountable for his various opponents and also propelling the Zebras into attack on many occasions;

...

but i would like someone who was there to elaborate more on this...he is 192 cm 92 kg, he is only just 23. for comparision sake ferguson is 25 turning 26 this year... what type of role did he play in the midfield? how was his disposal?

Warnock did not play in the midfield. He played across half back all day, and yes he was very good. I'd be taking more notice of Beach Road Barrys observations than a couple of neutrals from a community radio station, as much as we appreciate their inputs.

  DemonDave said:

Warnock did not play in the midfield. He played across half back all day, and yes he was very good.

Agree. He was the best of the back six.