WINNING START FOR ZEBRAS

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by Barry from Beach Road

Sandringham opened the season in style with good win against the Casey Scorpions after a strong 14 goal final half negated a second quarter scare that had the Zebras struggling and 20 points in arrears at half time.

Sandy was led out for the first time by new skipper Peter Summers and kicked with the aid of a stiff breeze favouring the Alf Beus can hill end. It was a strong contingent with 14 AFL listed players and the team started well with an early goal from young Demon recruit Addam Maric. Two more followed from Ben Holland and the Zebras were now looking chock full of confidence. Mark Jamar was dominating the early ruck duels and Jared Rivers was in imposing form down back, often linking up strongly with Ezra Poyas who surprised the crowd with a new hairstyle - one that actually incorporates hair and not a bald pate.

Sandringham was playing a team-oriented game and threatened to break further ahead but Casey regrouped and held its own in the latter part of the quarter kicking their first goal before Nick Sautner chimed in with his first for the season.

There was a marked turn around in the second stanza and it was now Casey's turn to dominate and Sandy's turn to struggle. By mid term the scores were locked together at 28 points apiece but the Scorpion midfield started to dominate and kicked the ball long into their forward line to establish a dominant position at the main break. The only excitement for the quarter came when Mark Johnston was hit hard and his opponent Armitage reported for charging. Johnston got up and continued to play after receiving his heavy knock and to his great credit finished up in his team's best players.

Johnston's bravery set the example and Sandringham regained its composure during the half time break to produce one of those special quarters of football that the players have become renowned for when their tails are up and the wind at their backs. With Mark Jamar and John Meesen dominating the rucks, the Zebra on ball brigade headed by Summers and new Demon rookie Shane Valenti kept pushing the ball forward and the likes of Sautner and Maric did the rest. Valenti was also damaging when moved forward and by the final break, Sandy was well on top after a stunning nine goal quarter.

The Zebras were at their best in the final term with the defence led by Jared Rivers and Matthew Whelan held the Scorpions and, in the end, outscored their opponents by five goals to three to canter away to a fine victory - 18.11.119 to 11.16.82.

Sandringham has a tough challenge ahead of it next week when it takes on old rival Port Melbourne at TEAC Oval, North Port. The Zebras will lose some Melbourne players to the AFL as the Demons continue to struggle forcing inevitable changes. The 12-10 rule applies to games against the Borough so a couple more Sandy listed players will come into the team for what should be a close tussle.

HOW THE DEMONS FARED

Brent Moloney and Ricky Petterd did not take their places in the team; both were reported as carrying minor injuries. Michael Newton came in to the selected side after being replaced by Jace Bode in the Melbourne team that played the Western Bulldogs.

James Frawley - was very serviceable in defence without being outstanding but given that he is quite athletic and at a similar stage of his development as Magpie key defender Nathan Brown, he is worth a look in defence for the Demons.

Ben Holland - looked set for a big day when he marked strongly and kicked two early goals but went down with a back strain and wasn't seen at all in the second half.

Mark Jamar - dominated the ruck hit outs and stood out around the ground where he took big marks and competed strongly. His capacity to come into the Melbourne team is limited by Paul Johnson's excellent start to the season.

Chris Johnson - played well and, as usual, looked good at this level. A question mark remains however, as to whether he can produce the goods in the big time.

Addam Maric - if there is something that Melbourne lacks at the moment it is a player who carries with him the x factor. In Maric's case, that factor comes with a capital X. He's small but can take a good grab and he's lively, particularly around goals in places where we have rarely seen any player of his size go on the Demon forward line. Oh, and he's a deadly kick for goal. On that basis, an AFL debut for this youngster is beckoning.

Stefan Martin - the former basketballer has the height and athleticism and can take a strong mark. He still has some work to do on his disposal skills but is certain to get a call up at some stage during the year.

John Meesen - moves well and rucks reasonably well but needs some more time at VFL level.

Michael Newton - roamed far and wide and really didn't get into the game as he was often caught in "no man's land". Likely to remain in the VFL for a couple of weeks until he can get his confidence up again.

Jared Rivers - a shoe in to return to the Demon line up for the game at Skilled Stadium if his form in this game is any guide. Should also be considered for elevation to the club's leadership group given that a vacancy exists there.

Shane Valenti - was more and more influential as the game wore on and got a lot of the ball. His detractors say he is small and slow but he moves the ball quickly and he is a ball magnet.

Matthew Warnock - played a dour defender's role but there are a few others ahead of him for a place in the Melbourne line up.

Matthew Whelan - played his standard strong game with lots of run and will add a harder edge to the Melbourne side on his return. There is a view that this won't happen for a couple of weeks but he looks ready to me.

Austin Wonaemirri - a slippery customer who is on a steep learning curve at the club. Showed some flashes that suggest he will be a player in time.

Adem Yze - took a while to settle down but he was certainly influential in the second half and was one of the reasons why the Zebras ended up overrunning an opposition that took it right up to them in the first half. Line ball as to whether he will be recalled to play against Geelong this week.

Sandringham 4.3.27 4.4.28 13.8.86 18.11.119

Casey Scorpions 1.2.8 7.6.48 8.10.58 11.16.82

Goals

Sandringham Sautner 4 Maric Valenti 3 Holland 2 C Johnson Poyas Summers Whelan Wonaemirri Yze

Casey Scorpions Gardiner 3 McQualter 2 Allen Armitage Birss Dunne Goddard Steven

Best

Sandringham Summers Valenti Poyas Yze Johnston Rivers

Casey Scorpions McQualter Gardiner Rix Gwilt Wall Silvagni

Reported

Sandringham Nil

Casey Scorpions D. Armitage (Casey Scorpions) for charging M. Johnston (Sandringham)in the 2nd quarter.

The reserves competition starts next week but a practice match was played against the Scorpions and Sandy won easily. A few Demons were on show but there were no stand outs during the time I was present.