OSCAR PERSSON
	Guernsey: 58 Age: 18 Height (cm): 195 Weight (kg): 95 Senior Games: 0 Senior Goals: 0 Recruited From: Sandringham Dragons

Young tall ruckman recruited from Sandringham Dragons. Development coach, Brendan Allen says Oscar has “gone from one of the worst runners in the team, to one of the best” since arriving at the club.

Young Saint, Spencer White celebrating one of his three goals for the day.

Sandringham and Port Melbourne share the points
By Ryan Lepore

Both Sandringham and Port Melbourne were desperate to gain four points today after indifferent starts to season 2013 but eventually the points were shared in a thrilling draw at Frankston Oval 16.12 (108) apiece.

Fielding an inexperienced lineup, Sandringham got off to the best possible start booting the first five goals of the game thanks largely to the skipper Marcus Marigliani using all his knowledge of the ground, the former Dolphin was influential in the first term racking up nine possessions and doing a power of work around the ground. Sam Dunell was also dominant in the first term showing why he wouldn’t be far away from a St Kilda call up, gaining 10 possessions across half back.

Port Melbourne started to control the clearances and their dominance was soon rewarded with three late goals to end the quarter.

The second quarter began like it ended with an avalanche of goals to the Borough who through the brilliance of Chris Cain (six goals for the match) had slipped out to a 19-point lead. The Zebras were able to stem the flow and fleet footed small forward Chris Michaliades kicked two of his three goals late in the quarter to reduce the margin to five points at half time.

You got the feeling Sandringham were just hanging on and it could have been a similar outcome to last round’s third quarter against Geelong but to the Zebra’s credit they kept fighting and were in it up to their ears. Impressive youngster Brodie Murdoch slotted his second goal of the match after an incepting mark inside 50. Momentum continued to swing before two late goals to Spencer White and Lewis Pierce gave the Zebras a two point edge heading into the final term.

Simon McPhee urged his troops to keep running the footy, continue to get numbers around the footy and get the ball in deep to the talls and expose their lack of size in defence. Spencer White responded to his coach’s calls and kicked a magnificent running goal to send the Zebras fans into raptures at the 23-minute mark and give his side a 12-point lead. Port Melbourne weren’t done with yet, they scored two quick goals before pressing again only to be denied by a courageous running back with the flight mark by Hamish Shepheard who continued his good form from last week. After trying to scramble through a score at the other end both teams were denied a much needed win and had to settle for a draw.

Asked on who he thought were the best players on the day McPhee responded philosophically “I thought we were pretty good right across the board today, so to single them out is not ideal.. we’ve got plenty of young players in there and I thought they all contributed.”

In a must win match Sandringham face Werribee on Saturday at 1pm at Avalon Airport Oval. The match will be televised live on ABC.

Port Melbourne 16.12 (108)
Sandringham 16.12 (108)

GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Cain 6, Galea 3, O’Sullivan 3, Gale, Scipione, Bonaddio, Hinkley
Sandringham: Michaliades 3, White 3, Murdoch 2, Ledger 2, Minchington 2, Saunders, Dowler, Shenton, Pierce

BEST:
Port Melbourne: Baird, Pleming, Skipper, Cain, Scipione, Batsanis
Sandringham: White, Shepheard, Cockie, Staley, Marigliani, Michaliades

STATS:

Josh Saunders 24 disposals, 4 tackles, 6 marks and 1 goal

Tom Curren 26 disposals, 2 tackles, 5 marks

Tom Ledger 22 disposals, 3 tackles, 7 marks and 2 goals

Chris Michaliades 3 goals, 14 disposals, 4 tackles and 2 marks

Marcus Marigliani 26 disposals, 2 tackles and incredible 12 marks

Yilber Zijai  18 dispsosals & 6 marks

Darren Minchington 19 disposals, 6 tackles, 4 marks, 2 goals

PHOTOS: View Dave Savell’s photos from game here

2013 AFL Victoria Development League

Port Melbourne 16.15 (111)
Sandringham 10.10 (70)

GOALS:
Port Melbourne: Hammond 5, Whelan 4, O’Farrell 2, Johnston,  Smith,  Raru,  Johns,  Vearing
Sandringham: Banfield 2, Fallon 2, Taylor 2, Barnhoorn,  McKay,  Kreymborg,  Maitland

BEST:
Port Melbourne: Gordon, Macmillan, Hammond, O’Farrell, McKenzie, Whelan
Sandringham: Weikhardt, Persson, Maley, Williams, Banfield, Valles

Round 4 Werribee Tigers vs Sandringham Zebras
Saturday April 27 at Avalon Airport Oval

Development Team 10am
Seniors 1.10pm

Adults $10
Concession $5
Sandringham Members $5
Werribee Members Free

Last time they met

Werribee Tigers   4.4  10.7  12.9  20.16 (136)
Sandringham   5.3  6.5  8.8  8.9 (57)

Zebras V Werribee
Played: 49
Won: 25
Lost: 24
Draw: 0

Media Coverage

Live TV Coverage on ABC1 from 1pm

You can also follow the game via @TrueZebras or @sandyzebs on Twitter

Match Preview

Read VFL websites match preview here – http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-118-0-253880-0&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=23336512

Seniors
B: Jackson Ferguson, Tom Simpkin, Jordan Staley
HB: Marcus Marigliani, Sam Dunell, Yilber Zijai
C: Arryn Siposs, Tom Ledger, Jimmy Webster
HF: Adam Cockie, Tom Hickey, Terry Milera
F: Farren Ray, Jay Lever, Spencer White

R: Lewis Pierce, Myke Cook, Tom Curren
INT: Luke Barnhoorn, Beau Dowler, Chris Michaliades, Darren Minchington, Kenny Ong*, Hamish Shepheard, Pat Tiernan, Peter Shakallis, Cameron Shenton

Development Squad
B: B.Coates, Plostins, Williams
HB: Kreymborg, Valles, Shakallis
C: Fallon, Maitland, Howes
HF: Barnhorrn, McKay, Cameron
F: Taylor, Widdowson, Tiernan

R: Persson, Weikhardt, Banfield
INT: Batson, C.Coates, Connely, Dowler, Hobjin-Allen, Zijai, Pridgeon, Read, Rist, Batson

Sandringham’s emphatic second half
By Nick Ciantar

Sandringham had their first win of the season with a devastating 64 point victory against Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval. After a tense first half, the Zebras went bang in the second half, kicking 16 goals to 6.

The Zebras and the Tigers went goal for goal in the first half in sunny conditions in Werribee. But after Sandringham coach Simon McPhee addressed his charges at the main break, they broke open the game by upping the ante with their midfield work.

“We weren’t winning it in the second quarter. We just challenged our mids (midfield) to crack in a bit more and get ball forward and we were able to do that,” says Simon McPhee after the match.

Tom Curren (22 disposals, 5 tackles), Farren Ray (27 disposals), Adam Cockie (22 disposals, 5 tackles) and Tom Ledger (23 disposals) were all influential in the midfield. After Werribee got on top in clearance work in the first half, the Zebras challenged the Tigers.

“We just need to take control of a few things, which the players did,” says Simon McPhee.

Curren was tagged by Levi Greenwood, but to no avail and Cameron Shenton (15 disposals, 3 goals) played as a forward instead of his usual defensive role. McPhee made some changes to the structure and the team benefited with a big win.

After the Tigers kicked the first goal of the second half, the Zebras kicked six in a row to stretch the margin to 30 points. Hamish Shepheard was forced off the ground with an apparent foot injury and Lewis Pearce took the responsibility in the ruck with great success.

“The experience that Lewis has got, playing against David Hille and Orren Stephenson and young Currie today … he is playing against AFL ruckmen. It’s the best education you are going to get,” says McPhee post match.

Sandringham made more changes to their structure that included playing Jay Lever in the ruck and up forward, whilst Tom Hickey played in patches in the forward line as well.

McPhee was pleased after the match that players were able to get some vital experience.

“Just the fact that our young players get the opportunity to ruck against strong opposition is a bonus.”

The Zebras’ philosophy for the day was to run and carry and to tackle at all costs. Spencer White (13 disposals, 3 goals) consistently took the game on and kicked a wonderful goal after running over 60 metres with the ball.

McPhee said that supporters must not get too carried away with the exciting prospect.

“He is exciting and a lot of people know that. He is working with Adam Kingsley, Aaron Hamill and Paul Hudson and he has to be consistently good.”

Terry Milera was also a stand-out for the Zebras, kicking six goals. He used his pace and goal crumbing abilities all day, including a snazzy soccer goal in the last quarter.

“Tez (Terry Milera) is a really good player and we just wanted him to really strike at the ball and use his attributes,” says McPhee

For Werribee, they could not get passed a well-defended Sandringham team. Despite two goals in a row in the third quarter, they were comprehensively out played.

Ben Brown kicked two late goals for Werribee while Jarred Moore was strong with 23 disposals. But it is Sandringham’s quick run and carry off the backline which unsettled the Tigers’ defence.

Farren Ray and Sam Dunell took many contested marks, while Tom Simpkin held Ben Warren relatively quiet with three goals. Jackson Ferguson returned from injury and did his job at full back as a loose defender.

McPhee was ecstatic that his team could win their first match after a tough start to the season.

“The resilience and character in the group is quite significant. Once they get a sniff, they were not going to let go.”

Sandringham meets the Northern Blues at home next Sunday, while Werribee travels to Simonds Stadium to face Geelong.

2013 Peter Jackson VFL

Werribee Tigers   4.1  10.7  13.9  15.10 (100)
Sandringham   4.5  9.7  24.20  24.20 (164)

GOALS:
Werribee Tigers: Maric 3, Warren 3, Iles 2, Brown 2, Castello 2, Gysberts,  Davis,  McGenniss
Sandringham: Milera 6, Shenton 3, White 3, Hickey 2, Michaliades 2, Curren 2, Minchington 2, Ledger,  Staley,  Siposs,  Lever

BEST:
Werribee Tigers: Currie, Warren, Gysberts, McGenniss, Moore, Sherlock
Sandringham: Milera, Webster, Dunell, Marigliani, Shenton, Ray

LEADING STATS:
Farren Ray 27 disposals, 2 tackles, 9 marks, 1 goal
Spencer White 13 disposals, 3 tackles, 8 marks, 3 goals 4 behinds
Jimmy Webster 21 disposals, 1 tackle, 3 marks
Tommy Ledger 23 disposals, 3 tackles, 2 marks, 1 goal 1 behind
Arryn Siposs 24 disposals, 1 tackle, 7 marks, 1 goal 3 behinds
Tom Curren 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 6 marks, 1 goal 3 behinds
Cam Shenton 15 disposals, 3 tackles, 5 marks, 3 goals 1 behind
Marcus Marigliani 24 disposals, 1 tackle, 6 marks
Adam Cockie 22 disposals, 5 tackles, 3 marks
Chris Michaliades 12 disposals, 8 tackles, 2 marks, 2 goals 1 behind

Watch full replay of todays game on Iview here – http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/program/32785

2013 AFL Victoria Development League
Werribee Tigers 3.1 6.7 8.11 14.16 (100)
Sandringham 3.3 4.8 5.11 7.13 (55)

GOALS:
Werribee Tigers: Piva 2, Brown 2, Tudor 2, Speight, Graham, Armistead, Eade, Bolton, Zumbo, Ross, Keras
Sandringham: Banfield 3, Dowler, Persson, Tiernan, Widdowson

BEST:
Werribee Tigers: Keras, Graham, Bolton, Ruggles, Wales
Sandringham: Plostins, Williams, Fallon, Maitland, Coates, Shakallis

Round 5: Sandringham vs Northern Blues
Sunday May 5th at Trevor Barker Beach Oval

Dev Squad: 11am
Seniors 2pm

Admission
Adults $10
Concession $5
Northern Blues Members $5
Sandringham & St Kilda Members FREE

SENIORS
B: Simpkin, Blake, Gwilt
HB: Webster, Ferguson, Marigliani
C: Ray, Newnes, Dunell
HF: Ledger, Shenton, Cook
F: Michaliades, Shepheard, Dennis-Lane

R: Hickey, Cockie, Curren
INT: Lever, Pierce, Shakallis, C.Banfield, Ong, Dowler, Williams, Barnhoorn, Zijai

IN: Dennis Lane, Newnes, Gwilt, Shakallis, Zijai, C.Banfield*, Dowler, Williams, Barnhoorn
OUT: Siposs, Staley, Milera, Minchington, White
NEW: *23rd player – Cameron Banfield (Sandringham Dragons), Luke Barnhoorn (St Bedes Mentone)

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
B: McKay, Plostins, Valles
HB: B.Coates, Tiernan, Williams
C: Ong, Maley, Howes
HF: Cameron, Barnhoorn, Kreyborg
F: Taylor, Dowler, Fallon

R: Persson, Shakallis, Weickhardt
INT: Maley, Maitland, Batson, C.Coates, Pridgeon, Hobijn-Allen, Rist, Connelly, Read

Presidents Luncheon

Media Coverage

On analogue radio: For the first time in 2013, fans can listen to each Sunday game at the ground via Vision Australia Radio on 1179AM in Melbourne. Fans across Victoria will be able to listen to the coverage via Vision Australia Radio stations in Bendigo (88.7FM), Mildura (107.5FM), Shepparton (100.1FM), Warrigul (93.5FM), Warrnambool (94.5FM) and Albury (101.7FM).

On your iPhone: Via the Red Time Sport iPhone app which you can download for free from the iTunes store.

On your digital Radio: Tune in each week on Aussie digital radio (SEN 2)

On the web: Via www.vfl.com.au or www.bpmmedia.com.au

You can also follow the game via twitter @TrueZebras or @sandyzebs

The Great Zebras Comeback

 By Nick Ciantar

In thrilling scenes at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham defeated the Northern Blues by 13 points, after trailing by as much as 38 points at the 20 minute mark in the third quarter.

The Zebras put on a clinic since that moment, including seven goals in a row.

Captain Marcus Marigliani (26 disposals, two goals) was moved forward after a shaky first half and he steered the ship successfully for a thrilling end to the game.

Sandringham assistant coach Ryan Webster praised his leader’s ability to come out firing in the second half.

“He (Marigliani) was a little bit off in the first half down back and we gave him a couple of roles to do. He stood up, kicked goals when he needed to and did exactly what a captain can do.”

Marigliani was not the only Zebras player to step up in the second half after the Northern Blues dominated the first two quarters. Webster explained that if the game was to be won, they needed to wear their jumper with pride.

“Our effort wasn’t up to scratch in the first half and we really just put it back on the players and said do you blokes really want to be here, it’s a bit of pride and need some more effort out of them,” says Webster.

After the Blues did everything right in the first half, except for scoreboard pressure, the Zebras had a sniff at half time as they only trailed by 21 points. Levi Casboult kicked four goals for the day and the Zebras’ fragile defence could not contain him. While Luke Mitchell (3 goals) was providing the same physical presence.

Webster reiterated after the match that the Zebras just needed to stick to their guns.

“[If] we stick to our structures, we can play pretty good footy.”

Everything was smooth sailing for the Blues at half time. Tom Bell was hard to stop with 14 disposals and the Blues were too big and strong. Once the Blues made the margin 38 points, the Zebras went on a rampage.

At three quarter time the Zebras trailed by 14 points and had kicked the last four goals of the term. After Tom Hickey and Hamish Shepheard had played the majority of the game in the ruck, they played more up forward and young Lewis Pierce took the mantle of being the number one ruck.

“Both Shepheard and Hickey did very well in the ruck. Obviously Tom is a developing player and he is getting better and better. Shep probably doesn’t really play a bad one and his competiveness is exactly what we need,” says Webster.

This worked for the Zebras as they continued to press and eventually took the lead. The Blues managed to break the unanswered goal streak through a long goal by Timmy Totevski. The quarter went goal for goal and both teams had numerous chances to convert.

“There was a few things in the last quarter when it could have gone either way. Blakey’s (Jason Blake) spoil over there near the scoreboard and then Tommy Curren’s smother down here in the forward pocket and they create goals. So it is those small efforts that get us across the line,” says an excited Webster.

But it was the Zebras that absorbed the Blues’ pressure and Jackson Ferguson snapped a last minute goal to put the result beyond doubt.

Chris Michaliades worked relentlessly all day and finished with 22 disposals, seven tackles and two goals. Webster was ecstatic with his effort after the game.

“Michaliades was fantastic. At numerous times he beats two/three players on his own and creates the ball going forward for us.”

When the Zebras were fighting to stay in it in the first half, Kenny Ong (12 disposals, 4 tackles) stood up and provided some perfect ball use. In only his first season at the club, the young Zebra stood up when the club need him most.

“Ong was great, his use of the ball was brilliant,” says Webster.

Tom Ledger was consistent with 31 disposals and his run and carry helped the Zebras break the Blues’ line. Farren Ray was courageous on the wing with 26 disposals, four tackles and two goals while Myke Cook (23 disposals, 3 tackles and 3 goals) attacked the ball head-on.

The Zebras rose in the second half and capped off an amazing seven goal run with a thrilling win. The Blues had no answer, despite an impressive showing by Bell and Kane Lambert.

The VFL has the State game next weekend and all teams have a break.

2013 Peter Jackson VFL

Sandringham   2.1  7.4  13.6  20.10 (130)
Northern Blues   4.4  10.7  15.8  18.9 (117)

GOALS:
Sandringham: Cook 3, Marigliani 2, Hickey 2, Michaliades 2, Ray 2, Curren 2, Dennis-Lane 2, Ferguson,  Shepheard,  Dowler,  Shenton, Lever
Northern Blues: Casboult 4, Mitchell 3, Buckley 2, Totevski 2, Bell,  Thomas,  Wilson,  Lambert,  Taglieri,  Rowe,  Menzel

BEST:
Sandringham: Michaliades, Shepheard, Curren, Dunell, Cockie, Ray
Northern Blues: Bell, Lambert, Collins, Casboult, Meese, Joseph

LEADING STATS

Tom Ledger 31 disposals, 2 tackles, 5 marks

Adam Cockie 27 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 marks

Farren Ray 26 disposals, 4 tackles, 5 marks, 2 goals

Marcus Marigliani 26 disposals, 6 marks, 2 goals

Tom Curren 23 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 mark, 2 goals

Hamish Shepheard 22 disposals, 1 tackle, 3 marks, 1 goal

Chris Michaliades 22 disposals, 7 tackles, 3 marks, 2 goals

James Gwilt 18 disposals, 3 marks

PHOTOS - View all photos from game here – http://truezebras.net/2013/05/05/photos-round-5-sandringham-vs-northern-blues/

2013 AFL Victoria Development League

Sandringham   3.2  6.5  6.8  8.11 (59)
Northern Blues   4.2  9.4  16.6  17.8 (110)

GOALS:
Sandringham: Barnhoorn 2, Kreymborg 2, Batson,  Coates,  Read,  Taylor
Northern Blues: Burgess 5, Dorman 4, Bonaddio 2, Dufficy 2, Soncin,  Toman,  McCann,  Currie

BEST:
Sandringham: Kreymborg, Weikhardt, Zijai, Maitland, Coates, Batson
Northern Blues: McCann, Soncin, Ballard, Dorman, Yelland, Watson

Peter Shakallis has made the step up to senior football in 2013

With all VFL teams having a bye this weekend due to the State game, we sat down with Sandringham’s Development Squad Coach, Brendan Allen to get his thoughts on the season so far.

“It’s been an interesting start to the year as our best is really good and we open teams up at times, but inconsistency throughout games is costing us winning results. The way we played against Coburg in round 1 was a real positive, but we haven’t been able to replicate this since” Allen said.

“We’ve also had 5 very different sides in each week in regards to personal with injury and senior selection, so continuity has been hard early. But looking at the positive side of this we’ve managed to get game time in to the entire playing list at VFL level. So going forward we know what we can expect from each player and area’s we need to develop.”

As with every coach, continually looking at areas of improvement is the key to a successful team.

“Our ball movement needs to be more aggressive and instinctive. And we’re constantly trying to improve our defensive mechanisms in both grades.”

Despite only having one win from the opening five games, Brendan says the teams preseason objectives won’t change.

“As a development squad, by definition we’re a work in progress and our main aim is to get the playing group up to a standard where they can push for senior selection.” Allen said.

“Nothing changes in regard to the education and development of the players and we’ve had some great results with some of the Sandringham Dragon graduates getting a taste of senior football early in the year as 23^rd player, as well as Yilber Zijai and Patrick Tiernan playing in the senior side on their own merit. Peter Shakallis has also made the step up after playing a handful of games in 2011, but development squad for all of 2012.

“With such a high turnover of the playing list from 2012 it’s hard to lock in aims like finals, top 4 etc, as it’s basically a new look side. Of course as in any competitive sport we’re trying to win as many games as we possibly can!”

Getting senior game time and experience for players such as Kenny Ong, Yilber Zijai, Patrick Tiernan, Peter Shakallis and Jack Williams has been one the most positive aspects the Development Squad has had.

“I’ve been very impressed with the younger brigade in Yilber Zijai, Kenny Ong, Cam Banfield and Patrick Tiernan. They will all play a lot of senior VFL football in the up-coming years. You could add to this the late bloomer in Oscar Persson who has come along in leaps and bounds in such a short amount of time.

“Matthew Kreymborg and Blaine Coates are two others that have all the tools to become quality players but just need to work hard on their football craft in the next 12 months to take the next step to senior level.”

After missing the majority of 2012 with a hip injury, Daniel Maitland has been one of Sandringham’s better performers. Averaging an impressive 17 disposals, 3 tackles and 3 marks, it’s something that hasn’t surprised Brendan.

“Dan {Daniel Maitland} is a quality player as well as a quality person. We knew that after the injury setback last year he would apply himself fully to the pre-season, tick all the boxes and complete more than required extras” Allen said.

“Unfortunately this approach and over exuberance set Dan back in early January when he strained a quad and missed all of the practice matches. But as soon as the opportunity to play him in round 1 arouse, we jumped at it”

“Since then Dan has progressed nicely as his conditioning has gotten better. He did a fantastic run with role against Werribee in round 2 shutting down one of their major play makers and was best on ground. Since then he has been very consistent and been clearly one of our better performers.”

Beau Dowler has surprisingly spent amount time in Development Squad in 2013, but Brendan Allen says this is due to interrupted preseason.

“Beau had a shortened preparation this season and this has been the main reason for playing matches in the development squad early this year. His form has been solid without breaking games open, but Beau is another quality character that Sandringham is extremely lucky to have and as he gains more minutes throughout each game he will only get better and senior selection won’t be far away.”

The Season So Far

Round 1 def Coburg by 25 points

Goals: Kreymborg 6, Widdowson 3, Barnhoorn 2, Fallon 2, Dowler 2, Cameron, Maley

Best: Kreymborg, Ong, Maley, Persson, Zijai, Fallon

Brendan Allen: Quality entertaining game of football, where we moved the ball quickly, applied great pressure in our fwd half and defended well as a team.

Round 2 lost to Werribee by 10 points

Goals: Dowler 2, Langdon 2, Widdowson 2, Williams, Weikhardt, Cameron Banfield, Fallon, Tiernan

Best: Kreymborg, Zijai, Shakallis, Soriano, Weikhardt, Langdon

Brendan Allen: Game was there to be won and we fought back hard in the last to nearly earn the win. Mid turnover’s hurt us as they directly scored from these.

Round 3 lost to Port Melbourne by 41 points

Goals: Banfield 2, Fallon 2, Taylor 2, Barnhoorn, McKay, Kreymborg, Maitland

Best: Weikhardt, Persson, Maley, Williams, Banfield, Valles

Brendan Allen: In the game until late in the third, we played too safe at times and our ball use wasn’t of standard.

Round 4 lost to Werribee by 45 points

Goals: Banfield 3, Dowler, Persson, Tiernan, Widdowson

Best: Plostins, Williams, Fallon, Maitland, Coates, Shakallis

Brendan Allen: Very disappointing loss, we didn’t play to structures and at time beat ourselves.

Round 5 lost to Northern Blues by 51 points

Goals: Barnhoorn 2, Kreymborg 2, Batson, Coates, Read, Taylor

Best: Kreymborg, Weikhardt, Zijai, Maitland, Coates, Batson

Brendan Allen: Plenty of opportunity but couldn’t find an avenue to goal. We over possessed the ball instead of being direct.

Follow True Zebras on Twitter – @TrueZebras and follow Shaun Curnow on Twitter – @stkildathunda

Seniors Round 6: Bendigo Gold vs. Sandringham
Saturday 18th May
Queen Elizabeth Oval at 2:00 PM

Adults $10
Concession $5
Sandringham Members $5

Media Coverage
You can follow the game live on twitter via  @TrueZebras or @sandyzebs

Last time they met – Round 17, 2012

Bendigo Gold 12.12 (84)
Sandringham  14.11 (95)

Zebras History V Bendigo

Played: 25 – Won: 21 – Lost: 4

Sandringham
B: Lever, Blake, Ferguson
HB: Shakallis, Shepheard, Shenton
C: Murdoch, Ledger, Saunders
HF: Cook, Dowler, Michaliades
F: Dennis-Lane, White, Dunell
R: Pierce, Cockie, Curren
Int: Ong, Williams, Kreymborg*, Tiernan, Barnhoorn, Zijai, Lee, Maister, Jones, Webster, Ross, Saad, Staley

Bendigo Gold
B: McIvor, Mc Linden, Munari
HB: Farrelly, Beck, Hams
C: Magin, Lange, Brooker
HF: Clark, Putt, Pollock
F:  Aarts, Sheahan, Stroobants
R: Kelm, Thomson, Toman
Int: McCarty, Flynn, Cain, Je. Collins*, Battaglin, Jo. Collins, Lambden

AFL Victoria Development League
Round 6: Sandringham vs. Port Melbourne
Sunday 19th May
Trevor Barker Beach Oval at 11:00 AM

Last Time They Played, Round 3 2013
Port Melbourne 16.15 (111)
Sandringham 10.10 (70)

Sandringham
B: Pridgeon, Plostins, Valles
HB: B. Coates, Hobijn-Allen, C. Coates
C: Batson, Maitland, Howes
HF: Cameron, Soriano, Fallon
F: Rist, Taylor, C. Banfield
R: Persson, Read, Weickhardt
Int: Barnhoorn, Zijai, Tiernan, Ong, Minahan, Connelly

Port Melbourne
B: Papaleo, Sandilands, Thornton
HB: M. Johnston, Whelan, McMahon
C: Barnes, C. Johnston, Purcell
HF: McKenzie, Pinwill, Hughes
F: Allan, Hammond, Mascitti
R: Gilmore, Smith, T. O’Sullivan
Int: Jenkins, Perry, Burstin, Plant, Muling, Milham, Breust, Hayes, T. Johnston, McTaggart

One of the stories of Sandringham’s round 6 win against Bendigo was the eye-catching debut of Matthew Kreymborg.

Matthew finished the day with 21 disposals, 10 marks and 4 tackles. He took the game on, playing across half-back and the wing. One of his highlights was running back with the flight of the ball to take a courageous mark in the third quarter.

Having missed entire 2012 season through injury, making his senior debut has been long time coming.

“It was hard watching from the sidelines but I just tried to use that as motivation to get me back out on the track and to do the right things in rehab to get me back out there as soon as I can and play good footy.” Kreymborg says.

“I just try to do everything the doctors; physio’s and trainers tell me. They obviously have the right knowledge about how to recover from certain injuries and get back to full strength so I just listen to them and do what I’m told.”

Now that Matthew has tasted senior football, it’s an experience he will never forget and is something he looks forward to experiencing on regular basis.

“It was definitely a different sort of experience for me as I haven’t played much footy with or against such experienced players. It was much faster and better quality than your normal local footy but I loved every minute of it and look forward to playing more senior footy {in the future}.”

Making your debut alongside so many AFL listed players can be a daunting prospect, but for Matthew, playing in an aligned team has many positives.

“I felt pretty comfortable in the team. Having guys such as {Hamish} Shepheard, {Adam} Cockie and Monster {Myke Cook} really pushed the nerves aside and make you feel a part of it which helped. Not knowing any of the St Kilda guys was a bit nerve-racking as well but they did get around me and introduced themselves.”

“Sam Dunell really helped my nerves by coming up to me before the game and giving me advice by telling me just to back myself in and just do what I do best. Getting advice from professionals like him really does help.”

Having started playing football as a forward, Kreymborg is now known for his ability to play at either end of the ground.  He points out that his versatility is pivotal, and tries to model his game on Essendon superstar, Brendon Goddard.

“I love watching Brendon Goddard play, you can learn so much off him. Plays midfield, forward and back and he has awesome skills. I would love to play like him one day.”

“I have been playing in forward-line most of my football life. I will be honest and say I do love to kick a goal, but now I’ve been playing back-line for the last few rounds and have really enjoyed it. I have probably been doing better in the back-line than I have in the forward line!”

And just like Brendon Goddard, Matthew hopes to add to his versatility by play playing in the midfield.

“I’m more than comfortable to play anywhere on the ground. I wouldn’t mind even learning more about playing in the midfield and try and get that position under my belt. I’d like to try and specialise in all positions and be an all-round footballer.

“The more you learn the better; each thing you learn just adds another string to your bow.”

Matthew still dreams of being drafted onto an AFL list but isn’t under any illusions, he is well aware he has a lot of work to do before that opportunity presents itself. For the meantime, Matthew just wants to help do whatever he can to get as much success for Sandringham.

“It’s been a dream of mine to play AFL since I was an infant. {But} I just want to be the best footballer I can be and if I’m good enough to play AFL then it would be dream come true. I’m just going to play my heart out with the Zebs this year, do what’s best for the team and concentrate on winning the flag this year.”

Family plays big part in everyone’s life, but for Matthew they have played an important role in getting him to where he is today.

“My Mum and Dad are both big football fans. I also have two brothers (one older and one younger) who play some good footy. I owe Mum and Dad for a lot of what they’ve done for me, especially my Dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. He just seems to know everything about footy and has helped me with everything, no matter what situation I’m in.”

On a personal note and as with most VFL footballers, Matthew finds it’s hard to juggle a working career and the commitments of a being a footballer. But it’s these types of challenges that determine if you succeed in life or not, and Matthew is determined to do whatever he can both on and off the field.

“At the moment I’m a full-time worker as an apprentice mechanic. It can make footy a bit harder because sometimes you might have over-time or a hard long day which can be draining and then having to train straight after can affect the way you train but that’s life.

“I’m willing to do whatever it takes to make sure I have a great football career but also make sure I have a secure career outside of football.”

Follow us on Twitter – @TrueZebras and  @stkildathunda or “Like” us on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/truezebras

THREE consecutive victories, two of them over decent opposition, suggested Sandringham was making good progress this season.

But it ran fair and square into a fine team on Saturday and, bang, was left with a 65-point defeat and the realisation it has work to do to bridge the gap between the rest and the best.

The Zebras made a respectable start against the Casey Scorpions, kicking three of the first five goals of the match at a wet Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

But in the second half they fell apart like soggy cardboard, forced into mistakes by Casey’s constant pressure around the ball.

Tom Lee kicked a goal after the half-time siren to cut the Scorpions’ lead to 18 points. But Sandy had to wait until the 20-minute mark of the last quarter for their next major, again from Lee. At three-quarter-time coach Simon McPhee called his team’s effort “unacceptable”, demanding a lift in “every facet of the game”

Read full match report by Paul Amy for Leader Newspaper here – http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/bayside/lacklustre-zebras-hit-with-65point-defeat/story-fngnvmn9-1226657185995

2013 Peter Jackson VFL

Sandringham 8.10 (58)
Casey Scorpions 18.15 (123)

GOALS:
Sandringham: Dennis-Lane 4, Lee 2, Michaliades, Curren
Casey Scorpions: Taggert 4, Gawn 4, Nicholls 3, Blease 2, Jetta, Spencer, Hogan, Tynan, Magner

BEST:
Sandringham: Shakallis, Dennis-Lane, Cockie, Saunders, Dunell, Lee
Casey Scorpions: Nicholas, Blease, Sellar, Couch, Gawn, Taggert

STATS:
Marcus Marigliani 20 disposals, 1 tackle, 3 marks
Adam Cockie 20 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 marks
Tom Ledger 19 disposals, 2 tackles
Josh Saunders 19 disposals, 2 tackles, 1 mark
Terry Milera 19 disposals, 2 marks
Brodie Murdoch 14 disposals, 3 tackles, 1 mark
Chris Michaliades 13 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal
Trent Dennis-Lane 13 disposals, 4 tackles, 2 marks, 4 goals
Tom Lee 12 disposals, 3 tackles, 4 marks, 2 goals
Peter Shakallis 11 disposals, 1 tackle, 1 mark
Tom Simpkin 10 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 marks

2013 AFL Victoria Development League

Sandringham 6.8 (44)
Casey Scorpions 6.5 (41)

GOALS:
Sandringham: Taylor 2, McKay, Batson, Tiernan, Howes
Casey Scorpions: McInnes, Rosier, Riseley, Matthews, Boland, Hill

BEST:
Sandringham: Taylor, Tiernan, Maitland, Williams, Ong, Coates
Casey Scorpions: Lindsay, Hill, Pollard, Riseley, Anderson, Roberts

STATS:
Jack Williams – 26 Disposals, 6 Tackles
Pat Tiernan – 21 Disposals, 10 Tackles
Dan Maitland – 19 Disposals, 8 Tackles
Matt Taylor – 15 Disposals, 7 Marks

SENIOR PHOTOS BY Morgan Hancock Photography

DEV SQUAD PHOTOS BY Morgan Hancock Photography

MORE PHOTOS WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON

The round 13 clash between Sandringham and Williamstown has been changed to Saturday 13th July at 1:10PM instead of Sunday 14th July at 2PM. The game remains at Trevor Barker Beach Oval. The amendment is due to to the game being covered by ABC TV.

The AFL Victoria Development League match between Sandringham vs. Williamstown remains the curtain raiser and will commence at 10:00AM.