NAB League: Sandringham Dragons claim 2022 premiership
The Sandringham Dragons were too good in the NAB League decider with several future AFL stars putting on a show.
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The Sandringham Dragons couldn’t have timed its run any better.
Despite finishing the home-and-away season in eighth place, the Dragons were able to complete the premiership dream with a 14.10 (94) to 7.9 (51) win over the Dandenong Stingrays on Friday night.
Potential number one draft pick Will Ashcroft, who has already committed to Brisbane under the father-son rule, was at his dominant best to be named the best player on the ground.
Dragons coach Wayne Cripps said he was extremely proud to have seen his side come away with premiership medallions around their neck.
“Seeing the enjoyment on the boys’ faces is one of the best feelings in footy,” he said.
“We had been building the last few weeks when we got our best team back out on the park and it all came together at the right time.
“It was great the boys were able to experience it with their family and friends. I’m sure they’ll remember this for a long time.
“I thought we were able to be a lot cleaner around the contest and importantly we were able to put it on the scoreboard which is critical in wet conditions.”
Ashcroft found plenty of footy on Ikon park finishing with 39 disposals, six clearances and five tackles in another display of why many draft experts see him as the country’s best junior footballer.
Cripps said it was a terrific end to an outstanding season.
“He’s a true professional,” he said.
“About six weeks ago he had a line in the sand moment with his teammates and since then he and the boys have been incredible.
“Unbelievable what he’s been able to achieve this year.”
Harry Sheezel was brilliant up forward for the Dragons with four goals as he did his AFL Draft prospects no harm.
Cameron Mackenzie capped off a brilliant season with 26 disposals and two goals while Olli Hotton recorded 25 touches and a game-high seven clearances.
“The beauty of us all year is we’ve had different players stand up,” Cripps said.
“It was no different again on Friday night. The backs probably don’t get the credit they deserve.
“Will Brown is a bottom age player who is very classy and had a good season. He’ll be a really exciting player for us next year.
“Ryley Sanders was brilliant, I could go through and talk about them all.”
For the Stingrays, Jaxon Binns led the way with 18 disposals.
MATCH PREVIEW
Fast, exciting footy.
That’s what you can expect to see when the Dandenong Stingrays and Sandringham Dragons face off in the NAB League grand final on Friday night.
The talented squads will battle it out for the 2022 premiership at Ikon Park on Friday night from 5.10pm.
Both sides have played exciting brands of footy throughout the season and if the weather allows, the game should be played at a high speed.
Dandenong coach Nick Cox said he was looking forward to an exciting contest.
“They do things quite similar to us. They do have some top end talent we do have to be aware of,” he said of the Dragons.
“They’re very good around the footy with guys including (Will) Ashcroft, (Cam) MacKenzie, (Olli) Hotton. (Harry) Sheezel and (Charlie) Clarke are quite dangerous forward.
“Those are the household names but I think they’re quite even across the board with some of the others who can bob up and hurt you on the day.
“We need to make sure our pressure is up around the footy and make sure we execute with how we want to play when we get it back.”
Dragons mentor Wayne Cripps had a similar train of thought when asked what he expected from the Stingrays.
“Dandenong loves to move the ball quickly and we do as well,” he said.
“I think it’s going to come down to which team values the contest more and is able to put pressure on the contest. We’ve been really happy with the development we’ve seen from this group this year.
“We’ve used over 70 players this season but in the last three or four weeks and getting that continuity has allowed us to play some much better footy.
“Everyone involved with the club is excited about what’s ahead on Friday night.”
The Stingrays won the previous meeting between the pair by 21 points back in Round 8.
TEN PLAYERS TO KEEP AN EYE ON
Will Ashcroft, Sandringham Dragons
Already set to join Brisbane as a father-son selection, there would be no better way to than finish his time with the Dragons than with a premiership. Has consistently found plenty of the footy this season.
Jaxon Binns, Dandenong Stingrays
Not set to turn 18 until the end of October, Binns has been brilliant in his last three games. He’s had 24, 20 and 26-disposal games in that period. Importantly he’s also shown he can hit the scoreboard.
Justin Davies, Dandenong Stingrays
Will pinch hit in the ruck but importantly can hit the scoreboard as well.
Jamie Hope, Sandringham Dragons
Has proven in his last two games he doesn’t need much of the footy to hurt opposition sides. He’s kicked 6.2 from 19 touches during the finals series.
Olli Hotton, Sandringham Dragons
Most likely to be deployed as a half-forward or midfielder depending what the game requires. Since returning to the Dragons set up in Round 16, he’s continued to find plenty of the footy.
Henry Hustwaite, Dandenong Stingrays
Expected to return to the Stingrays line-up for the decider in a major boost to their premiership hopes. During the home-and-away season he recorded just one game below 20 disposals.
Cam Mackenzie, Sandringham Dragons
Has enjoyed a brilliant season alongside Ashcroft in the middle of the ground to loom as one of the country’s best midfield prospects ahead of the draft. Has been compared to Sydney star Callum Mills with his strong presence at the coalface.
Harry Sheezel, Sandringham Dragons
Has a bag of tricks as big as anyone in the NAB League. Sheezel often does his best work closer to goal but he does have an x-factor when swung onto the footy.
Cooper Simpson, Dandenong Stingrays
Simpson has hardly put a foot wrong all season. Has kicked at least one goal in each of his last four games highlighting an important development in his game. Draft eligible in 2023.
Mitch Szybkowski, Dandenong Stingrays
Another player set to return for the Stingrays this weekend. Finds plenty of the footy in the middle of the ground.
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