Zebs back on track after Bullants victory
29/04/2024
Following a week off, the Zebras took a significant step forward in cementing their system and returning to form with an impressive 57-point victory over the Northern Bullants at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval
Photography by Olivia Blamires
From start to finish, the Zebs dominated the middle of the ground. Tom Campbell was outstanding in the centre, dominating the ruck contest with 52 hit-outs. We finished ahead in clearances 43 to 35, exceeding our season average of 35.8.
We finished the game with 27 scoring shots, but we were inaccurate in front of goal, resulting in 15 behinds and giving the Bullants belief in the latter stages of the contest. We had a commanding second and third quarter, increasing our lead from 21 to 51 points. Will Vesely observed that the messaging after quarter time was constant, showing that the preparation for the match was on point.
Tom Campbell (52 hitouts, 16 disposals, five clearances) looked the goods for the Zebras, looking to spread the ball and, on occasion, gather for his own clearance. Campbell's strongest play of the day came when he took a contested intercept mark on the wing, hit a short 45, followed up for a handball receive, and laced Jack Hayes for his first goal.
Will Vesely (three goals, eight marks, 13 disposals) was lively early on, kicking our first and taking excellent marks to set the tone forward, which was echoed by his teammates. It was a commendable effort following a long preseason with limited match fitness.
The connection in the centre between Zak Jones (29 disposals, eight clearances, one goal) and Paddy Dow (22 disposals, 12 handballs, six clearances) was enjoyable to witness. The two moved well through the stoppage pressure, using quick acceleration and superior body work to separate themselves from opponents.
Jack Hayes' (three goals, 18 disposals, and six marks) couple weeks back from injury with the Zebras has been encouraging. In addition to his scoring contributions, he was a vital pinch hitter in the ruck, able to contend and give our midfielders a fighting opportunity to gather the ball. A really excellent overall effort marked by tough running around the field and a willingness to get involved in the ground level contest.
We fell short in the inside-50 count by 49 to 46, with our backline holding up despite frequent long aerial threats. Isaac Keeler, Arie Schoenmaker, Mitch Ryan, Ben Paton and Angus McLennan combined for 38 marks, negating the Bullants' forward moves. Paton's (22 disposals, 15 kicks, and eight marks) return from injury was a success, with the defender clinical by foot, launching multiple forward attacks while also playing a solid role in defence.
The final term was one of the most hopeful passages to see, with the team demonstrating amazing resilience. The Bullants arrived with renewed vigour from the start, hoping to take advantage of a comfortable 51-point lead, but we remained firm. Closing out the game was a priority heading into the last term, as Head Coach Jake Batchelor gathered the leaders for final remarks. The Zebras reacted by finishing the game the same manner they began, extending their lead to 57 points.
The Sandringham Zebras prepare for their Round 6 clash with North Melbourne on Sunday, May 5th, at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval. A doubleheader begins at 9:45 a.m. with the Southern Saints and ends at 2:05p.m. with the Zebras facing the Arden Street outfit.
Written by Tom McQuillan - Sandringham FC Media