Trio of Zebras sign on for 2023

14/11/2022

The Sandringham Football Club is pleased to announce Anthony Seaton, Jake Lohmann and Blake Watson have re-signed for the upcoming 2023 VFL Season.

The re-signings kick off an exciting signing and recruitment period, with all three players establishing themselves as key members of the Zebras in 2022.

Captain, Anthony Seaton, finished third in the 2022 Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest, playing all 18 games and averaging 11.2 disposals for the year in a defensive role. The 22-year-old was voted Captain for the first time in 2022 and continues to impress with his off-field and on-field development. He was awarded this year’s Eric Mackenzie Memorial Trophy for Best Club Person.  

Sandringham FC Senior Coach, Jake Batchelor, spoke highly of Seaton’s re-signing. 

“It was a good learning year for Seato. He had high expectations for himself in his first year as Captain and we’re very proud of how much he has developed. Whilst finishing third in our Best & Fairest in season 2022, he knows there is much more left in his football tank. This will include mixing up roles in 2023 to make sure we can use his leadership and skillset to best suit the team week in week out,” says Batchelor.
 

Promising young forward, Jake Lohmann, has also re-signed ahead of the 2023 season. Lohmann played 11 matches in his first season with the Zebras in 2022, his presence missed on-field in the remaining games due to injury. His ability to chase, apply pressure, and force turnovers in the forward line saw Lohmann take home the Ed Hattam Memorial Trophy for Most Determined. The Maryborough local also received the 2022 Coaches Award.  

“Jake came into our program last year not knowing anyone and the way he connected with the group so seamlessly, really set himself up for a great year. He has a great work rate and epitomises a team first mentality.” 

“After an injury plagued year, we are excited to see where Jake can take his football with the Zebras, and hopefully beyond. He has the flexibility to play multiple roles for us which gives him every opportunity to showcase his strengths,” says Head Coach, Jake Batchelor.

Blake Watson rounds out the trio of signings after a fantastic season up forward. Watson played all 15 matches following his debut in round 4 against the Gold Coast Suns in which he kicked 2 goals. He was the recipient of the 2022 Greg Lyons Memorial Trophy for Most Courageous and 2022 Zeal Player of the Year Award, which is player-voted and recognises selflessness, consistent effort and great teamwork.

“Blake showed us throughout the season the importance of having someone with the ability to go inside for us and win clearances. When the AFL-listed midfielders weren’t there, Blake stood up and played his role really well. With a focus on endurance over the off season whilst still being an inside bull and using his strengths, we look forward to Blake increasing his flexibility in his game. This will make him hard to match up on for us,” says Batchelor. 

We’re excited to have these players back on board for 2023 and hopefully beyond. 

Written by Sandringham Football Club Media