Match Report: VFLW Second Practice Match Win

7/04/2025

The Zebras played their second practice match against Carlton on Saturday

Photography by Anthony Vella

The Sandringham Zebras VFLW side wasted no time making a statement in their second practice match of the pre-season, producing a dominant four-quarter display to defeat Carlton by 47 points at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

First Quarter:

It took just minutes for new Zebra Lauren Brazzale to light up the forward line, snapping the game's first goal in style. Speedster Zoe Besanko was electric early, covering ground with ease and linking up well across the wings.

Zoe Barbakos added to the scoreboard with a classy finish of her own, while showcasing her elite running patterns and precision kicking. Nat Plane was a magnet to the footy, racking up disposals and setting the tone. Brazzale added her second major late in the term to give Sandy a commanding 20–1 lead at the first break.

Second Quarter:

The Zebras continued to apply the heat, with Rene Caris taking control of the centre square and giving her mids first use. Besanko was rewarded for her work rate, clunking a strong mark and calmly slotting the set shot.

Brazzale couldn’t be stopped, drilling her third goal—this time from a set shot—and Zoe Barbakos turned up the heat with some fierce tackling pressure that had Carlton on the back foot. By halftime, the Zebras had surged to a 35–1 lead.

Third Quarter:

Defender Courtney Aughtie made a big statement with a strong intercept mark and then showed her dash off half-back, while Erica Fowler found herself in everything throughout this quarter.

Besanko once again showed her speed and finishing ability, bursting through the arc and adding her second goal in style. The Blues added their first goal of the day, but Sandringham maintained a healthy 44–8 lead heading into the final term.

Fourth Quarter:

Sophie Locke was relentless in the closing stages, showcasing her elite endurance and pressure acts, including a huge spoil that brought the crowd to life.

Eleri Morris found space and delivered several inside 50s, before J’neomi Anderson capped things off with a nice goal to get on the scoresheet.

Barbakos continued to dominate in all areas of the ground, rounding out a standout performance in what was an all-round team display.

The Zebras walk away from their practice match hit-out with confidence and plenty of positives ahead of the season proper.

Sandringham Zebras:   3.2      5.5       6.8       7.13     (55)

                         Carlton:   0.1       0.1         1.2      1.2    (8)   

Sandringham Goal Scorers: Brazzale (3), Besanko (2), Barbakos, Anderson

Best: Brazzale, Barbakos, Besanko, Caris, Locke

Written by Josh Speechley Sandringham FC Media