VFL 2023: Inspired Sandringham Zebras hit top gear with win over Essendon

The Sandringham Zebras’ plan to replicate an in-form AFL side paid off when they roared back to winning form in the VFL.

Tyson Milne had 21 disposals for Sandringham on Sunday. Picture: Steve Tanner

The response was powerful.

After starting the VFL season with a stinging loss to Southport, the Sandringham Zebras faced an early season litmus test against Essendon on Sunday.

And the Zebras passed with flying colours, storming to a 37-point victory, 19.12 (126) to 14.5 (89) at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

Sandringham coach Jake Batchelor revealed his side drew inspiration from St Kilda’s rousing win against Essendon the night before.

“We spoke a bit about it before the game how good it was to watch the Saints boys bring that effort and intent and we wanted to replicate that and make them proud of us and I think we did a pretty good job,” he said.

“Hopefully we can do the same thing against Gold Coast this week.”

Sandringham coach Jake Batchelor. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Sandringham rushed to a 15-point lead in the opening quarter and increased it to 35 by halftime.

Although challenged in the third term, the Zebras kicked away to record one of the most impressive wins of the round.

Batchelor said the Zebras, after a lacklustre showing against Southport, were much improved in all areas.

“We won the ball for starters,’’ he said.

“It’s amazing what happens when your team wins the ball and you get the ball going forward.”

He was especially pleased with forward Noah Gown (three goals) and midfielder Darby Hipwell (25 disposals), the pair responding strongly after quiet starts in the Southport loss last week.

“Noah Gown…I challenged him during the week…and he was so good yesterday, he competed really strongly and that’s why we got him and we’re really happy to have him, he’s a good leader in the forward line,” Batchelor said.

“And he really stood up and did the simple things well.

“Darby Hipwell…he came out and played like a VFL midfielder and looked like a big strong player that he is.

“So that was really pleasing.’’

Noah Gown.

Jordan Segar.

AFL-Saints Jack Bytel and Max Heath were superb for Sandy; Bytel capped a dominant game with 35 touches and two goals, while Heath slotted 5.1.

Old Brighton recruit Jordan Segar also impressed with three goals.

“We got challenged by Essendon, we were up by seven goals and they got it back to three and we responded, we didn’t let it get any closer,’’ Batchelor said.

“We got stuck in at the contest and made some really clear decisions.

“All in all to be honest there were a couple of standouts but not too many who I could say didn’t play their role.”

Sandringham hosts Gold Coast at Moorabbin on Easter Sunday.