SANDRINGHAM vs WILLIAMSTOWN         

Where: Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Sandringham

When: Sunday, 31 July

Time: 2pm

Coverage: Follow VFL reporter Justin Cooper on Twitter: @justinr_cooper for scores and tune in to saints.com.au post-game for a full match report.

Form guide:

Sandringham lost their second game in a row against the second-placed Casey Scorpions last week, hanging onto fourth spot on percentage (9 wins, 4 losses @ 122.7%) with Port Melbourne (9 wins, 5 losses @ 104.4%) breathing down their neck in fifth. A win against Williamstown will go a long way to a bridging the gap against the two sides above them, Collingwood and Casey.

Conversely, ladder leaders Williamstown defeated Port Melbourne by 33-points at North Port Oval in a dominant performance that puts them as the flag favourites. The Seagulls are a game clear on the top of the ladder (11 wins, 3 losses @ 154.2%), with the Casey Scorpions (10 wins, 3 losses @ 154.7%) still in the hunt to steal first spot by season’s end.

Last time they met:

Sandringham 11.11 (77) def. by Williamstown 13.6 (84) at Trevor Barker Beach Oval, Round 21 2015.

Goals: Kreymborg 2, Siposs 2, Hickey, Dennis-Lane, Ong, Simpkin, Saad, Markworth, Saunders.

Best: Jones, Siposs, Saunders, Shenton, Kreymborg.

Key match ups:

Williamstown are primed for back-to-back flags, such has been their strong form under Andy Collins, they are the team to beat once again.

Fresh from being re-signed with St Kilda this week, Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce will lead the ruck division with support from Jason Holmes. Nick Meese and Ayce Cordy present important match-ups as the opposing rucks, who are very good at playing the key forward role as well.

Jason Holmes reaches his 50th VFL career game while stand-in captain Tom Simpkin notches up his 100th VFL game.

St Kilda defender Sam Fisher brings a wealth of experience at full-back, complimenting reliable pair Tom Lee and Luke Delaney to succeed at shut down roles.

The midfield battles will be crucial, Sandringham coach Paul Hudson stating last week that winning the contested ball will be key to toppling the Seagulls.

Tom Curren makes his long awaited return after an injury layoff, while the likes of Eli Templeton, Myke Cook, Kade Answerth, Josh Saunders and the likely return of Jack Sinclair from AFL duties will be crucial in rotations.

The Zebras will be missing Brandon White (hamstring) and Bailey Rice (concussion) on Sunday, both injured in last week’s loss to the Casey Scorpions at Casey Fields.

Paddy McCartin makes his return to football after another concussion at AFL level a few weeks ago, and will be a welcome addition to a Sandringham side screaming out for a big key forward in the goal square. Along with Cam Shenton and a resting ruckman, the Zebras will on Sunday field an attack that has genuine potency.

Players to watch:

Sandringham – Tom Simpkin

The stand-in captain for the injured Trent Dennis-Lane was among the best in the Zebras’ loss to the Scorpions last round, collecting 13 disposals and laid nine tackles. The former Saint provides strong intensity and his flexibility to play at either end of the ground makes him a tough match up due to his ability to work up the ground. Will be a key against the Seagulls and may be required to provide some grunt work in the midfield at times on Sunday.  

Williamstown – Ben Jolley

Very much the heart and soul type of player at Point Gellibrand, the experienced Jolley was a key factor in the Seagulls’ win over the Borough last round. The well-respected former Bomber gathered 30 disposals, laid seven tackles and kicked a goal to be named one of the best. Not blessed with great speed but his ball winning ability and football nous to make good decisions under pressure one the Zebras need to curtail. 

Conditions:

The weather is forecast to be mainly sunny, reaching a top of 14 degrees.

St Kilda players in the squad:

Tom Lee, Sam Fisher, Brodie Murdoch, Luke Delaney, Jack Lonie, Jack Sinclair, Lewis Pierce, Cam Shenton, Josh Saunders, Paddy McCartin, Tom Curren, Jason Holmes, Eli Templeton, Nathan Freeman, Brenton Payne, Joe Baker-Thomas.

Notable opposition players:

Cameron Lockwood, Peter Faulks, Ben Jolley, Sam Dunell, Willie Wheeler, Arryn Siposs, Ayce Cordy, Nick Meese.

Development League:

11am.

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