Match Report: VFL Practice Match 2 vs Casey Demons

03/03/2025

The Zebs continued their pre-season preparations with a challenging contest at Casey Fields 

Photography by Tom McQuillan

With less than a month to go until we commence our VFL campaign against Geelong at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, the Zebs took on the Casey Demons in the second of three pre-season fixtures.

Heading into their first season under new coach Brendan Goddard, there was plenty to suggest that the new gameplan was coming along well despite the 62-point defeat.

The first quarter was our strongest, as we took the lead multiple times before heading into the first break down by just seven points. Lance Collard kicked the first goal of the game from a set shot in the pocket, following a precise forward entry from Andrew Mathieson. We wouldn’t have to wait long for our second, as some strong forward pressure allowed Misilifi Faimalo to burst out the back for a straightforward goal. We’d continue to be rewarded for our strong work in the contest, as Alex Dodson drilled a brilliant checkside snap through the big sticks from nearly 50 metres out to top off a strong opening quarter.

Casey emerged from the huddle determined to put us under immense pressure, quickly adding to their lead. After a run of four goals, the Zebs managed to arrest some momentum, making the second half of the quarter a tight battle. After coming close to a goal in the first, Sam Buck would see his hard work pay off as the second quarter wound down, bringing up our fourth of the afternoon. 

Our efforts to the end the second quarter kept us within reach as we trailed by 27 at the main break. Casey begun the third quarter much like the second, putting us under the pump early. We were less successful in keeping up with them, as a Jet Peckett shot at goal was unlucky to bounce through for a behind. Arie Schoenmaker provided a moment of celebration though, as he stepped up from the backline to give us our only goal of the term.

Despite entering the fourth quarter with a deficit of 47, the Zebs were unfazed. After kicking a goal earlier, Collard unselfishly passed up another scoring opportunity to Zak Jones, who converted the goal to bolster his strong performance in midfield. It would be the final goal of the game for us on a sunny afternoon in Casey, as we eventually succumbed by 62 points at the final siren after a hard fought fourth quarter. 

Casey Demons:               4.3       8.7       12.11       15.14       (104)

Sandringham Zebras:   3.2       4.4        5.6            6.6           (42)        

Our final practice match will take place on Sunday 16 March from 11:00am at Arden Street Oval against North Melbourne!

Written by Jake Beddard - Sandringham FC Media