Sandringham's Community Combine a Success

01/03/2019

Sandringham Football Club’s inaugural community football combine has resulted in the signing of 5 local footballers to our list of 30 for the Zebras’ 2019 season. Of the 40 hopefuls who attended the combine, eight were invited to train with the senior boys, and five of those were given contracts with the club.

Trent Thomas (Berwick), Ryan Carroll (St Kilda City), Lochie Adey (Blackburn), Dylan Webber (Narre Warren) and Michael Batten (Old Xaverians) will all be on the Zebras 2019 list. The boys will all be hoping for an opportunity to put on the Zebras colours and play their best footy.

Trent Thomas was picked up by Sandringham after attending our community trial day recently. He comes from Berwick Football Club, having kicked 25 goals for them last year and named in their best on a number of occasions.

“It obviously means a lot to me, making it onto a VFL list for the first time and I’m hoping to take my game to another level and play consistent footy throughout 2019”, Thomas said.

Ryan Carroll is aware of the hard work that is required just to get a game in this VFL side, so is aiming to train hard and get on the park.

“Personally, I aim to play games this year, not going to aim too high but to play would be a great first year start. Footy is a massive part of my life and has been since day dot, so to have this opportunity I will ensure to take it with both hands and hope for a long future with the Zebras”, Carroll said.

Lochie Adey knows what a great opportunity this is, and is keen to get amongst the club, and hopes to be part of a successful 2019 season.

“I couldn’t be happier right now. Was stoked to make it through the combine, but to go through that and then make it to the final list is an amazing feeling”, he said.

“I’d love to see Sandringham make it to the finals and I can’t wait to be there every step of the way and get close with every member of the club.”

Dylan Webber is looking ahead to the 2019 season and is excited to be pushed in a professional environment and develop his personal footy, and looks forward to playing with guys who have that same goal.

“It's an exciting opportunity to learn and develop my footy as much as I can, and become the best player I can be. Obviously, we want to play finals, but simply we want to play good quality footy and have fun doing it,” Webber said.

Michael Batten is looking forward to being “a part of the process” for this year.

“I’m feeling very privileged to have been given this opportunity from Sandringham. I am incredibly eager to continue on with this group in 2019 and see some reward for the individual and team effort that has been massive over the summer months”, he said.

After a successful inaugural Community Combine, the Zebras are excited to see these boys continue to work hard and hopefully get games with the Zebras for 2019.