Zebs fight back in an RSEA Park thriller

10/06/2024

Late flurry sees Sandy take a hard-earned draw against the reigning Premiers.

Photography by Anthony Vella

In a much-awaited top-six clash, the Zebs took on reigning Premiers - the Gold Coast SUNS - in a chilly encounter at RSEA Park on Saturday afternoon. In a game that had it all, including nine lead changes, it was the unsung heroes that stood tall to help us rally from 25 points down to secure an epic draw.

The opening quarter commenced with vigour, as Hugo Garcia swiftly kicked our first goal, ninety seconds in. An apparent trend that would quickly emerge would be our ability to launch several rebound 50 exits, that successfully unsettled the SUNS’ defensive structure. Following a stretch of defensive intensity, we responded in the latter part of the quarter through goals to Lance Collard and Max Heath, securing a slender one-point advantage at the break.

Wet and slippery conditions in the second were ideal for our style of football, as contested bull Mattaes Phillipou sprang into action notching up a game-leading eight tackles. Although the SUNS started to exhibit fluid ball movement from their defensive half, no one could deny the exceptional skill of Collard as he adeptly tapped the ball ahead, veered back inward, and impressively curled in a goal from 35m away. We headed into half-time three-points up.

The SUNS took control early in the third, kicking four majors for the term. We revitalised our approach to the game, slowing the pace with precise chip kicks. This approach rewarded, with Blake Watson demonstrating his forward prowess via a clinical mark and conversion. However, we trailed by 12 points at the final break.

Starting the last quarter, we faced a considerable challenge as the SUNS widened their advantage with another two majors. Tom Blamires kept us in touch with a skilfully taken 25m snap, followed shortly after by an awkward high free kick that awarded Garcia his second. The SUNS responded quickly, but our territory domination would pay off, with a turnover goal to Cooper Sharman, and then just a minute later Garcia for his third reduced the deficit to six points. Reminiscent of the previous week, Co-Captain Anthony Seaton initiated the perfect all-chips in play, delivering an exceptional corridor kick that released our runners to find Sharman waiting, who immediately continued, playing on and driving home the levelling goal.

Tom Campbell continued his fine form recording 29 disposals, 12 clearances, and 31 hit-outs.

Combining for six goals, Sharman and Garcia were prominent up forward.

Zak Jones with his 29 disposals, alongside Brad Crouch with 27, were our notable ball winners.

Sandringham Zebras:         3.1         5.6      7.8    12.10               (82)       

Gold Coast Suns:                  2.6      4.9    8.14    11.16                 (82)

For the full VFL stats package and match replay visit the VFL website.

The Zebs will head up to Queensland to take on Brisbane on Saturday the 15th of June at Brighton Homes Arena at 11:05AM. You can catch all the action via the VFL website or app.

Written by Digby Verlander - Sandringham FC Media