It was again a case of missed opportunities for Sandringham, with the Zebras falling to Werribee by 20-points in the last round of the VFL season at Avalon Airport Oval.

In perfect sunshine at Chirnside Park, it was a very even first term with both teams goal for goal in the opening 30-minutes.

The Zebras got away to the perfect start through set shots to Josh Saunders and Billy Longer, but goals in between them to North Melbourne-listed pair Robin Nahas and Ryan Clarke saw the home side take a three-point lead into quarter time.

The second quarter replicated much of the first, goal-for-goal and missed opportunities from both sides before the siren blew for half-time and a Werribee lead of eight-points.

The turning point of the contest came after the main break, with the Tigers converting five majors while the Zebras inaccuracy in front of goal came back to hurt them.

Sandringham responded at the last change, with Jack Sinclair getting the Zebras off to the perfect start in the last quarter by running into open goal in the first minute of the last quarter.

The Tigers didn’t let up though, kicking four of the last seven goals of the game to run out winners and disrupt the Zebras run into September.

St Kilda utility Cam Shenton (4 goals, 16 disposals, eight marks) carried the Sandringham attack with aplomb, while midfielders Eli Templeton (32 disposals, 1 goal) and Jack Sinclair (2 goals, 21 disposals, eight tackles) led the way in the middle to be among the best.

It’s been a tough second half of the season for the Zebras, with the loss to the Tigers handing them a sixth loss in the last seven rounds, which confines them to seventh spot at the end of home and away season.

The Zebras now face a do or die clash against Port Melbourne in an elimination final on Sunday.

SCOREBOARD

WERRIBEE 2.6 5.7 10.8 14.10 (94)
SANDRINGHAM 2.3 4.5 6.11 10.14 (74)

GOALS: Shenton 4, Sinclair 2, Templeton, Wilkins, Saunders, Longer.

BEST: Shenton, Templeton, Sinclair, Delaney

At Avalon Airport Oval.