Zebras fall short to the Cats
19/08/2024
Going down to the wire, the Zebras were ultimately defeated by Geelong with a 13-point margin in the final game of the 2024 Smithy’s VFL season.
Photography by Sean Pualic
With a wildcard spot still within reach at the start of the day, the anticipation was palpable as Sandy geared up for a do-or-die clash. As the crowd flocked into Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Geelong struck first, as our defence stood firm against a barrage of inside 50s.
Operating in tandem, Angus McLennan and Zaine Cordy combined for 19 intercept possessions, as we turned defence into attack through our ability to successfully launch several rebound 50s. In the 28th minute, Oliver Lowe’s relentless pace on the outside allowed him to seize a brilliant transition of play and sprint into an open goal, maintaining his impressive record of averaging better than a goal a game in his 42 starts for the club.
Breaking the deadlock in the second quarter, Max Hall (18 disposals, five clearances, and two goals) produced a bit of individual brilliance by craftily snapping a 35-metre goal on the fly to give us the lead momentarily. Despite dominating the territory battle with 13 inside 50s for the term, we couldn’t capitalise on our opportunities, kicking only two goals and three behinds.
Tom Campbell completed arguably another best-on-ground performance for Sandy, as the veteran compiled 46 hit-outs, 26 disposals, and 14 contested possessions, to supply our midfield with premium opportunities to surge the ball forward.
Facing quality opposition, our Zebs' determination for the contest never wavered. Arie Schoenmaker (29 disposals, 23 kicks, and one goal), Riley Bonner (29 disposals, 20 kicks, and six marks) and Hugo Garcia (20 disposals, 10 tackles and five clearances) stood tall throughout the match.
Trailing by 25-points midway through the final quarter, we began taking the game on through the corridor. Effectively transitioning the play, Schoenmaker launched a 60-metre on-the-run goal, followed by a crafty goal-line poke to Max Benier to make the final moments tense.
We demonstrated our full range of abilities and composure, dominating stoppages for significant stretches of the match and winning the hit-outs 59-42.
The result means we finish the season in 12th place, though with plenty of reason for optimism in 2025, as this core group of Zebs is determined to bring us back to September action.
Sandringham Zebras 2.3 4.6 6.8 8.11 59
Geelong Cats 3.2 4.6 9.10 10.12 72
Look out for our Best and Fairest Night, as we look to crown our 2024 Neil Bencraft winner.
For full match replays and stats from the game head to the VFL/AFL Website.
Written by Digby Verlander - Sandringham FC Media