Match Report: Practice Match 3 v Geelong

18/03/2024

The Sandringham Zebras were defeated by Geelong in their last practice match of the pre-season.

The conditions were certainly hot at the Deakin University Sports Precinct in Waurn Ponds. The temperature reached the high 20s with the wind picking up towards the last quarter. 

FIRST QUARTER

Geelong came out quick and dominated the centre clearances giving them the ability to score the first 20 points within the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately our midfielders were unable to connect with the forward line, resulting in multiple turnovers from a strong Geelong defence. 

It wasn’t until a Geelong holding penalty saw Matthew Allison take a set shot that we were able to get our first goal of the game.

The ball spent most of the time in Geelong’s forward half for the remainder of the quarter but we headed into the first break trailing by just 10 points. 

Geelong: 3. 5. 23

Sandringham: 1. 2. 13

SECOND QUARTER

The second quarter saw a small shift in game plan, with quicker and more frequent attempts into our forward 50; our midfield working extra hard.

Despite Geelong's dominance, our defence made multiple successful efforts in suppressing Geelong’s scoring. However, Geelong’s persistence in clearances and throughout the midfield saw their scoring opportunities double. 

Geelong: 6. 10. 48

Sandringham: 3. 4. 22

THIRD QUARTER

The beginning of the third quarter saw the momentum fire up for the Zebs with better connection between our midfield and forward line. 

There were significantly more entries into our forward 50 compared to the earlier quarters, where Olli Hotton scored the opening goal of the quarter as well as his second of the game. 

The ball spent a considerable amount of time within our forward half after successfully turning it over in Geelong’s forward half. Notably Mitch Ryan and Anthony Seaton whose marking efforts prevented late Geelong goals. 

Inaccuracy cost a noticeable score board comeback however Geelong was kept to 7 points compared to our 9. 

Geelong: 7. 11. 53

Sandringham: 4. 7. 31

FOURTH QUARTER

Geelong began to slow down to a relatively slow quarter only scoring 13 to Sandy’s 17. 

Going against the wind, we managed to score 2.5 to Geelong’s 2.1 for the term.

Anthony Caminiti was able to get two set shot opportunities late in the quarter, scoring 7 points. 

Geelong: 9. 12. 66

Sandringham: 6. 12. 48

UP NEXT

Sandringham will play Collingwood in the season opener of the 2024 VFL season on Friday 22 March, 4:05pm at RSEA Park. 

Written by Nellie Rose – Sandringham FC Media