The Zebras
The first official moves to enter senior football were made in 1927 when an application for admission was received by the Victorian Football association at its meeting on 15th August, on behalf of three teams in the Sandringham district, which intended to combine to place a team in the Association completion if admitted. The application was made by Mr. Voigt who later became the clubs first Secretary. It was contended that the combined team would have ample financial and local support with a large supporter base. It was stated that the Sandringham Council had authorized the expenditure of Four Thousand Pounds on improvements to the Sandringham oval but would not take any definite action until the Association had made its decision.
For a short time Brighton Beach ground was under consideration but this was later scrapped in favour of the Beach Oval.
Finally Sandringham was admitted to the V.F.A. in February, 1929, subject to the Minister for Lands granting the Sandringham Council permission to provide the Beach Park Reserve with a fence. The concrete wall was finally completed about mid-day on the day of the first match against Brighton. Even some of the players were called in to give a hand pour the concrete.
The Club colours of Gold, Black and Blue were taken from the three local sides - Gold from Sandringham Amateurs, Black from Black Rock and Blue from Hampton Amateurs.
The Sandringham team for the first game was:
Backs:
Jamieson
Challis
Rees
H. Backs: Fricker
Bourke
Wallish
Centres:
Oakley
McCashney Jim Ryan
H. Forwards: Arnel
DeLuca
Geddes
Forwards: Waters
Dick
Jack Ryan
Followers:
Gay
Amsden
Rover:
Ross
Although The Zebras won only one game
in their first season :- against Camberwell in the sixth round on May 25th.
scoring 16.14 to 12.23 a very proud tradition was born. Along with fierce
rival Port Melbourne, Sandringham is the only side to have never played
in second division.
Ladder Position 12th.
1930-: The Zebras appointed a new coach in J. McAuliffe,
a former Williamstown rover but again they had a disappointing season recording
only one victory, defeating Prahran in the fifth round.
Ladder Position 12th.
1931-: Yet again another Captain-Coach in former Essendon
star Norn Beckton. For the first time the Club won it's opening game against
Brighton 17.18 to 16.16. They strung together four successive wins including
top side Oakleigh's first defeat for the season. Later in the year they
defeated Camberwell 28.28-196 to 17.12-114. This was to stand a club record
until 1977.
Ladder Position 8th.
1932-: This was to be Sandringham's greatest year since
joining the Association - they won 12 out of the 20 games played and although
they missed the finals they had the satisfaction of beating each of the
clubs above them.
Ladder Position 6th.
1933-: The improvement shown in 1932 continued and like
the previous year after appearing certain finalists faded badly towards
the end of the season. A contrast of the clubs fortunes for the year are
highlighted in that they kicked both the V.F.A.'s highest score 29.19 and
the lowest 2.7 (against Port in the last round)
Ladder Position 5th.
1934-: After a successful opening in which they won their
first four games, again failed towards the end with only three wins and
a draw from the last fourteen. It was in a report of the opening game of
the season that Jim Blake from the "Sun News Pictorial" bestowed the club
with the name "ZEBRAS"
Ladder Position 8th.
1935-: Retirement of several players made it necessary
for the Club to re-build with local youngsters. Although enthusiastic,
the team lacked experience and could only manage four wins for the season.
Ladder Position 11th.
1936-: The Club fared little better this year with four
wins. It was also recorded that the first school football Curtain Raiser
was played at the Beach Oval between Sandringham and Black Rock State Schools.
Included in the Sandringham School side were the names : Stan Tomlins,
Neil Bencraft, Frank (Ginger) Scanlon, Ian Mackenzie, Mick Middleton and
Ian Cummings who were later to give considerable service to the Zebras.
Ladder Position 11th.
1937-: It appeared that the recruiting of local young
players was beginning to succeed, The Club improved and finished with seven
wins under the guidance of Captain Coach Bert Foster of Richmond.
Ladder Position 7th.
1938-: Bert Foster was again Captain Coach and with the
recruiting of players of the calibre of G. "Tubby" Edmonds, ex-Footscray
Captain-Coach and Bill Compte from St.Kilda it was expected the Club would
build on the progress made the previous year. The Club won five matches
in succession early in the season but this proved to be their only success
and they dropped down the ladder.
Ladder Position 11th.
1939-: The team was coached by former Collingwood champion
Leo Wescott and captained by Bill Mitchell. Although the Club played 20
matches during 1939, it was only successful in winning six. The highlight
of the year was the opening of the new grandstand on 15th April.
Ladder Position 10th.
1940-: Already the impact of WW2 was being felt by the
zebras, who could manage to win only one game for the season.
Ladder Position 12th
1941-: Perhaps this was the poorest year ever, with the
war raging, all players played as amateurs and for the first and only time
in the Club's history they did not win a game during the season.
Ladder Position 12th.
1942 - 1944 VFA in recess.
1945-: Players from 1941 had, with wartime requirements,
been scattered far and wide and several were still away on active service.
The few who were available rallied to the Club and it was around them building
had to be done. George Bennett who had played over 100 games with Hawthorn
and Footscray was appointed as playing coach. On June 23rd, after
losing 44 consecutive games, the Zebras broke through to defeat Oakleigh.
Ladder Position 11th.
1946-: Good fortune attended the Club when Len Toyne of
Geelong came to the district to reside and no time was lost in securing
his services as coach. Policy for the season was to encourage local talent
and the side for the opening match consisted of 80% local talent. The Zebras
began to startle the football world with unexpected victories and soon
became the glamour side of the VFA. The Zebras defeated Port Melbourne
by 29 points in the 1st semi and Williamstown by a single point in the
preliminary final, to earn the right to Camberwell in the Clubs first ever
grand final. Final scores Sandringham 14.15.99 defeated Camberwell 13.14.92.
Ladder Position 1st.
1947-: The Club carried on from the previous year, winning
15 of their 22 encounters and finished the home and away season in 3rd
position. After winning both the first semi and preliminary final they
failed by 31 points to overcome Port Melbourne in the grand final.
Stan Tomlins became the first Sandringham player to win the J.J.Liston
trophy.
Ladder Position 2nd.
1948-: The Zebras lost 14 of the previous seasons players
and could manage to win only 7 games; losing 12 and one game being declared
a no match after the bell was rung five minutes before full time.
Ladder Position 8th
1949-: In many respects this was a disappointing year.
Firstly Captain Coach Len Toyne resigned after just five rounds. He felt
he was victimised by the umpires and said " that certain charges against
him were taking things a bit too far." Half way through the season the
Club suffered servere financial difficulties and was helped out by a loan
of six hundred pounds from the players trip away money. Stan Judkins took
over from Toyne as coach for the rest of the season, but the Zebras could
win only seven games.
Ladder Position 11th.
1950-: Pat Bourke was appointed Captain Coach for the
season. The Zebras started the season poorly, losing their first three
matches. However they managed to win seven of the next eight games and
had a chance to make the four but dropped games to Oakleigh and Williamstown
at the end of the season.
Ladder Position 7th.
1951-: Again Pat Bourke was in charge and for the first
time since 1939 Sandringham won the opening match of the season, defeating
VFA newcomer Moorabbin, in fact they won the first six games. This was
the first year in the Club's history that at no time were they out of the
top four, finishing the home and away in 3rd spot. However the Zebs lost
the first semi by 19 points to Oakleigh, a team they had thrashed by 9
goals the week before.
Ladder Position 4th.
1952-: This was a chocolates to boiled lollies year, after finishing fourth in '51 the Club could win only 7 games and dropped to 12th (third last).
1953-: This was the fourth successive term for playing
coach Pat Bourke and this created a Club record. At the commencement of
the season the Club decided on a tough policy of team building and this
necessitated some bold and audacious decisions in which 13 experienced
players were given an open clearance. 41 players, of which 18 were first
year players, represented Sandringham for the season. Of the 18 games contested
Sandringham were successful in only 5.
Ladder Position 13th.
1954-: Former Essendon player and Port Melbourne Captain
Coach Ton Lahiff was appointed non playing coach, replacing Bourke who
had retired. The loss of players of the calibre of Guille, Hiscock,
Shipp, Russell and Bourke plus many of the younger players to National
Service Training contributed to the Clubs poor showing of only one win
for the year. For the first time since 19411 the club finished last.
Ladder Position 14th.
1955-: After the previous disastrous year, desperate measures
were called for. A special meeting of past players was called and all Committee
positions were declared vacant. New Captain Coach Ted Fletcher did a magnificent
job with the team in winning eight games and turning over 46 players for
the season.
Ladder position 10th.
1956-: The Club recruited well adding Keith Evans, Ron McKenzie, Fred Webster, Colin Vance, Ian Jones, Jeff Crouch, Brian Boland, Ross Shrives and Keith Marshall to the list. The Zebras managed to climb the ladder to seventh position.
1957-: Sandringham's President Sergeant A. M. McDonald
had an unexpected windfall earlier this season when a solidly built young
man came into the Sandringham Police Station to join the force. His name
Denis Oakley. Although the Club didn't make the progress expected, 8 wins
and a draw for the season, the signing of some good young talent pointed
to a brighter future.
Ladder Position 8th.
1958-: Neil Bencraft replaced Ted Fletcher as coach. The
Club was once again becoming a power in the VFA after the disastrous rock
bottom position it held in 1954. The rebuilding started in 1955 was taking
effect and after finishing with 11 wins and a draw for the season was confident
of making the finals the following year.
Ladder Position 6th.
1959-: Season 1959 was probably one of the best seasons
the Zebras have experienced as they won the Club Championship for the first
time - both firsts and seconds finished with the double chance in the finals.
Another record was made in the winning of all home games for the season
- 10 wins by both the first and second teams. Unfortunately the seniors
failed in the finals, losing to Williamstown by 22 points and Coburg by
4 points in the Prelim. final.
Ladder Position 3rd.
1960-: The stability of the Club was reflected with Jack
Berg, Neil Bencraft and Fred Webster in charge for the third consecutive
year. If ever a team looked a premiership certainty, it was Sandringham.
It headed the premiership ladder for the first time in the history of the
Club with 15 wins from 18 games and a percentage of 226.4. After defeating
Oakleigh by 2 goals in the semi-final, they faced the same team in the
grand final. However this encounter resulted in a 10 goal win to Oakleigh.
It is interesting to note that Sandringham went into the grand final having
played only 1 game in 5 weeks.
Ladder Position 2nd.
1961-: During a long and hard season of 22 games Sandringham
won 14 and lost 8, finishing the year in third spot. The Anzac day clash
with Moorabbin was played at the MCG, the first VFA game to be played at
the "G" In the first semi-final Sandringham went down by 17 points to Williamstowm.
Ladder Position 4th.
1962-: Mr. Ian Mackenzie was appointed President, Neil
Bencraft was coach for the fifth year and Fred Webster was Captain. After
the 18 home and away game the Club finished in second spot with 13 wins
and a draw. In the second semi-final Sandringham went down to Moorabbin
by 36 points and had to face Coburg in the preliminary. With a vastly re-arranged
side they defeated Coburg by 33 points to set the stage for the grand final.
As in the second semi-final Sandringham were able to keep with Moorabbin
till half time, however, a six goal to nil third term gave Moorabbin a
44 point lead going into the last quarter. Sandringham, with its never
say die attitude, found its form and stormed home to beat Moorabbin by
a point for the Clubs second ever flag.
Ladder Position 1st.
1963-: Following the retirement of non-playing coach Neil
Bencraft, Keith Burns, the 1962 Liston Trophy winner was appointed as playing
coach for the season. Sandringham opened the season with five straight
win and was sitting confidently on top until it dropped the last two games
to finish the season in second position. The Zebras went down to Moorabbin
by eight points in the second semi but regrouped to defeat Yarraville by
40 point in the preliminary. In the grand final Sandringham could not reproduce
the '62 finish and fell to Moorabbin 9.13.67 to 19.16.130.
Ladder Position 2nd.
1964-: Again Sandringham played eighteen home-and-away
games, scoring thirteen wins and five losses to finish in third place.
In the semi-final at Port Melbourne the Zebras put in a dismal performance
in going down to Coburg by 49 points.
Ladder Position 4th.
1965-: Barry Harrison in his second year with club was
appointed Captain-Coach. The Club lost the first match to Oakleigh then
won seven straight, but only won five of the last ten games to finish in
fourth position. The Zebras put in a poor performance in the first semi
and were easily defeated by Port Melbourne by 47 points.
Ladder Position 4th.
1966-: The difficulty was in raising sufficient funds
over recent years to ensure success; the solution appeared to lie in transferring
activities to the St. Kilda Cricket Ground which had become available.
It took along time for the players to adjust their style of play to suit
the bigger ground and could manage to win only two of the first six games.
During the latter half of the season the team recovered to win four of
the last five games but fifth place was the best they could achieve.
Ladder Position 5th.
1967-: Following the sudden and unexpected cancellation
by the St. Kilda Cricket Club of the agreement for Sandringham to play
on the Fitzroy Street oval, the Zebras moved back to Beach Oval. Although
the pre-season practice matches indicated the Zebras would again be among
the leaders, they made a poor start and won only one of the first four
games. In winning the last five home and away games the Club finished in
third position. Sandringham defeated Preston by 10 points in the First
semi but were beaten by Dandenong (the eventual premiers) by 19 points
in the prelim.
Ladder Position 3rd.
1968-: Sandringham again finished in third spot with twelve
wins. The Zebras played the same teams in the finals as in '67 however
this time they defeated Dandenong by 48 points in the semi and lost to
Preston by 28 in the prelim.
Ladder Position 3rd.
1969-: An excellent start to the season saw the Zebras
sitting at the top of the ladder, winning nine of the first ten games.
Then came a crop of injuries and they could manage to win only four of
the last eight games. In the first semi-final the Zebras succumbed to Port
Melbourne by 20 points.
Ladder Position 4th.
1970-: Former Zebra centre-half forward Graeme Clarke
was appointed coach replacing Barry Harrison who was forced to retire
due to work commitments. Sandringham had a mixed season winning six of
the first seven but only five of the last eleven matches and failed to
make the finals for only the second time in the last 12 years.
Ladder Position 6th.
1971-: For the second successive year, the Club appointed
a new Coach, this time Neil Busse was given the responsibility of trying
to capture that elusive flag. At the end of the home and away season, the
Club finished in fourth position with ten wins. As in '67 and '68 they
got through the first semi but failed in the prelim. defeating Oakleigh
by 26 points and losing to Preston by 14.
Ladder Position 3rd.
1972-: For only the second time in nine years, the Zebras
won their opening game. Port Melbourne who boasted such illustrious champions
as Ron Barassi and Bob Skilton were the victims at the Beach Oval. Future
captain Ian Cooper joined the Zebras after round five and in his ten games
for the season racked up a tally of 64 goals. Injuries plagued the team
throughout the season and they could manage only eight wins.
Ladder Position 7th.
1973-: The expected rise up the ladder was not forthcoming,
the Club finished in eighth position winning only seven games. The biggest
victory for the season came on May 5th. The Council held a referendum among
the rate payers, following a formidable objection, to the building of new
club rooms, by rate payers representing the conservationists, who wanted
the area to revert to its original state of scrub parkland. Highlight of
the season was the 104 goals kicked by Ian Cooper, making him the third
Zebra to break the 100 goal barrier.
Ladder Position 8th.
1974-: Neil Bencraft was once again appointed as coach,
returning after a 11 year break. The Club again started the season badly,
their first win coming in round seven, when they defeated Prahran
by 2 points. Their only other wins were Caulfield, Rd. 10, 1 point; Geelong
West, Rd. 11, 12 points; Oakleigh, Rd. 13, 10 points; Sunshine, Rd. 14,
20 points.
Ladder Position 8th.
1975-: On April 27th in a gala atmosphere, the seemingly
impossible dream had come to fruition, when the new Club rooms and Social
Club were opened. The Club's quest for a playing coach finally resulted
in Fitzroy veteran Kevin Murray being appointed Captain Coach for a three
year term. The Club won their opening game at Preston, recording only their
second win there in twelve years. After two wins and two well contested
losses, the Club slumped to be a definite relegation prospect together
with Williamstown. The issue was finally resolved in round 15 when the
Zebras defeated Williamstown by 49 points. Again the Club won only five
games.
Ladder Position 9th.
1976-: After a disastrous '75, the recruiting committee
set to out to bolster the Clubs playing personnel by attracting the likes
of, Denis Clark, Mal Owen, Terry Wilkins ( all from Melbourne), Alf Beus
(Sth. Melb.), David Pledger (St. Kilda), Ray Goold (1974 Liston trophy
winner from Sunshine) and Geoff Simpson (Camberwell). As a result of gaining
such a wealth of football talent, it was natural for the Committee to be
optimistic enough to suggest that the Club would be contesting the flag.
This did not eventuate and on August 15th the Zebras played Oakleigh in
what is now referred to as "The Relegation Game." After many brawls both
inside (between player) and outside (between spectators) the fence,
the Zebras emerged victorious and once again avoided relegation with a
total once again of five wins.
Ladder Position 9th.
1977-: With a new President, John Borthwick and a new
Coach Darrell Mackenzie (both very much Sandringham people), a new era
started for the Sandringham Football Club. The Zebras added Rod Coelli,
Tony Franklin and Greg Miller (all from Sth. Melbourne) to their player
list. At the start of the season it was only a dream that the Club could
make the finals after a series of poor seasons fighting relegation. Not
only did they make the finals but finished second and never lost a home
game. The second semi final resulted in a 51 point victory to Port Melbourne.
The preliminary final against Coburg was a tight battle with the Zebras
holding on to win by 11 points. In one of the most one sided Grand Finals
for years, Port Melbourne's pace and teamwork easily defeated Sandringham
by 100 points.
Ladder Position 2nd.
1978-: Sandringham had every reason to look forward to
the new season with confidence, adding Max Robertson (Sth. Melb.), Frank
Giampaolo and Graeme Osborne (Melbourne) to their list. However after losing
to Preston in round 13, the Zebras lost their spot in the four and never
regained it, finishing with eight wins.
Ladder position 8th.
1979-: Following the retirement of Darrell Macxkenzie
as Coach, former champion rover Peter Hogan was appointed Coach and Denis
Clark as captain. Due to a severe run of injuries, by the half way mark
of the season , the Zebras were once again staring relegation in the face.
With true Zebra spirit the Club fought back and finished the year on a
very high note, winning five of the last six games, making a total of eight
for the season. The seriousness of the injury situation is indicated in
the fact that B&F winner Graeme Osborne missed eight games through
injury!
Ladder Position 8th.
1980-: The Club lured Rex Hunt out of retirement to fill
the full forward position and he proved his worth scoring 6.4 from eleven
shots at goal against Prahran in the first match. The Zebras stormed home
in the last half of the season winning seven of the last eight games. In
the final round they still had to defeat Geelong West at Sandy to secure
a place in the four. After trailing by 15 point at the third break the
Zebras over ran Geelong West scoring 7.1 to 1.2 in the last term and secured
a place in the finals. Geelong west studied the previous game very carefully
and realised that if they could stop Rex Hunt, they could stop Sandringham.
This they did to perfection. John Scarlett kept Hunt to one goal (his 93rd
for the season) and the Zebras were defeated by 32 points.
Ladder position 4th.
1981-: After losing to Port Melbourne in the opening round,
the Zebras put together a run of eight successive wins and in the first
game of the second round faced Port for the title of undisputed top team.
However the game was a fizzer, the Zebras losing by 89 points. Sandringham
lost seven of the last nine games and finished in 3rd spot with ten wins.
In the first semi-final Sandringham trailed Frankston by 25 points at half
time, but, late in the third quarter when Rex Hunt kicked his fifth goal
of the game ( his 100th for the season) the Zebras hit the front and held
on to win by 17 points. In the preliminary final, Preston led by 65 points
at the half way mark of the third quarter. An amazing fight back by the
Zebras; led by Rex Hunt with seven goals in the last quarter (110 for the
season); saw Sandringham briefly take the lead late in the game, only to
have Preston regain it in time on.
Ladder Position 3rd.
1982-: Former Geelong and St. Kilda player Phil Stevens
was appointed Captain Coach. The Zebras signed Peter Fitzpatrick (Carlton
/ St. Kilda), Ross Gallagher (Footscray), Kelvin Richards (Melbourne),
but lost, Rex Hunt, Paul Callery, David Droscher, Russell Hodges and Ian
Hutchison. At best the year could be considered as one of consolidation,
as the Zebras only managed eight wins and slipped down the ladder.
Ladder Position 7th.
1983-: The appointment of Darrell Mackenzie as coach,
Warren Green in charge of the reserves and Graeme Toms as Chairman of selectors,
all ex-Zebra players, brought back a great sense of loyalty. Recruiting
was the best for a decade with players of the calibre of Ian Morrison (Footscray
/ Essendon),Ken Mansfield (Woodville / Essendon), John Bennett (St. Kilda).
Another healthy sign was that during the year Marty Lyons, Kevin Sims and
Terry Wilkins all played their 100th game for the Club. In the third round,
Sandringham played it's 1000th VFA game, which resulted in a loss to old
foe Port Melbourne. The Club won 9 of the last 11 games to sneak into the
finals. All hopes of a premiership were dashed when Port Melbourne, kicking
against the wind scored 11.4 to 4.1 in the first quarter to set up a 46
point victory.
Ladder Position 4th.
1984-: Once again the Club started the season with a new
Coach, appointing former Hawthorn half forward Bob Keddie. Along with Keddie
came Dennis Galimberti, the man who was responsible for shaping the new
Sandringham. The turnover of player personnel was very high, with the loss
of David Pledger, Terry Wilkins, Wayne Mailing, Steve Gimore, Mark Sarau,
John Bennett, and Gary Scott, all very experienced players. To replace
this experience, the Club relied on youth from the VFL under 19 competition;
who could be indoctrinated into the Keddie philosophy; and a smattering
of experience in the form of Ross Brewer, Glen Philbey and Adam Pearson.
The season was going to plan until the last round when Sandringham had
to defeat Williamstown to hold it's final four position. After a dismal
display the Zebras were out of premiership contention and a season which
opened with great promise ended in defeat and lost opportunity.
Ladder Position 5th.
1985-: The Club once again recruited youth, signing Andy
Collins, Andrew Pratt, Greg Beilby, (all with Hawthorn connections), Brian
and Brendon Said plus Darren Kristensen, (all who had played premiership
football with North U19's). Added to this list were Mark Eaves (Nth. Adelaide)
and Con Gorozidis (Footscray).The Zebras started the season with nine straight
wins, setting a Club record for consecutive winning games and by seasons
end faced Coburg in the 2nd semi final, which was billed as a dress rehearsal
for the grand final. After a score line of Sandringham 32.16.208 defeating
Coburg 19.14.128 the Zebras were installed as the hottest favourite for
many years. The Zebras waited for the rematch, expecting Coburg to be too
strong for Williamstown. With the result going the other way, Keddie had
to reassess and restructure his side for the new challenge. The selection
table move of playing Mark Eaves as a forward proved a match winner, even
though Williamstown effectively blanketed Morrison, Brewer and Gorozidis,
(the Zebra fire power) they ran out of talls to cover Eaves who kicked
four goals before half time and provided a focal point.
Ladder Position 1st.
1986-: After the success of '85, the administration tried
to follow the same pattern. This, however was not enough given the large
turnover of personnel. Ross Brewer and Ross Gallagher both retired and
for various reasons the on field partisapation of MacLoed, Morrison, Lyons,
Collins, Adams, Eaves, Gorozidis, Kristensen, Hetherington and Mannix was
reduced to an average of only eight games. One of the new names to
join the Zebras was Anthony Allen (Hawthorn) who was to go on to play a
Club record 165 games, captain the Club 5 times and hold the premiership
cup aloft twice. After losing the first game to Coburg the Club won the
next four and were 6 and 3 at the half way mark, however a 4 and 5 second
half saw the Zebras fail to make the finals.
Ladder Position 6th.
1987-: Bob Keddie resigned to coach Fitzroy reserves and
was replaced by Francis Jackson. The year got off to a disappointing start
losing to Springvale and Port Melbourne before scraping in by one point
against Coburg. In the middle section of the season the Club lost 5 on
end by a total of 296 points before putting it together to win 5 of the
last 6 and so end the season 9 and 9.
Ladder Position 7th
1988-: Keddie returned as coach and some around the Club
thought this would return us to the good times of '85. By round nine the
ratio of 3 and 6 blew this theory and when the Zebras lost the last five
in a row, the season closed on our worst performance since '76.
Ladder Position 9th
1989-: Bob Keddie had been appointed for the '89 season
half way through '88 in a display of solidarity, a move that displeased
many around the Club. The year started as '88 finished with the Zebras
losing the first 7 games by an average 10 goals. The second half of the
season saw some of the old Zebra fight and resulted in a six wins.
Ladder Position 11th.
1990-: The Committee chased Trevor Barker to coach the
Club, however for personal reasons the offer was refused. Daryl Nisbet
who had been coaching St. Kilda 3rds was appointed and ex-Dandenong centreman
Rod (Darkie) Evans came as chairman of selectors. They immediately set
about bringing the players together as a unit, sometimes with unconventional
training methods. Daryl recruited, amongst others, Shane Foley from St.
Kilda U19's when that club failed to see his enormous potential. In contrast
to the previous year the Club got off to flying start winning the first
five before dropping the next three. Form dropped away in second half of
the season and the Zebras finished with nine wins and a strong foundation
for the near future.
Ladder Position 8th
1991-: Daryl Nisbet once again had the controls. The most
notable of the recruits for the year were Peter Czerkaski (Richmond), Lachlan
Kellaway (Collingwood), and Chris and Paddy Garrett from Cranbourne (both
of who had played under Nisbet before). The Zebras won six of the first
nine games but injuries in the second half of the season forced Nisbet
to play flankers in key positions (a reflection on the lack of depth available)
and the Club could manage only another four wins.
Ladder Position 6th.
1992-: Phil Cleary could not bring himself to accept the
offered coaching position. The supporters sensed something big was about
to happen, when the Club announced Trevor Barker would be Coach in '92.
With the arrival of Trevor and his team of Darrell Fenton (Reserves Coach),
Colin Carter (Snr. Runner), Gerg Gneil (Team Manager), John Moncrieff (C.O.S.
and Fitness Adviser)and physiotherapists Phil Bedlington and Rob Denatris,
the Club just oozed professionalism. The Club went on a recruiting drive
that netted Andrew Tarpey, Andrew Krakouer, Warick Angus, Daryl Argus,
Joe Wilson, Damien Pearce, Nick Morey, Darren Mitchelson and later in the
year Michael Ford and Pat Lambert. Thus replacing Jamie Duursma and Sam
O'Connor who had left the Club. The season started badly with a 44 point
loss to Williamstown -- Barker later admitted he picked the first team
on reputation , not form. It is interesting to note that of the 20 players
in round one, seven didn't play in the grand final. The Zebras went on
to win the next 13 games straight (a Club record) before losing to Prahran.
In the last of the home and away games an injury depleted Zebras
lowered their colours to Werribee. In the 2nd semi Sandringham accounted
for Prahran and were far too strong for Williamstown in the Grand Final.
Joe Rugolo won both the Liston Trophy and Norm Goss Medal while his brother
Frank was the leading goal kicker.
Ladder Position 1st.
1993-: Once again, the aim was to win back to back flags,
for the first time in the Clubs history. Before the season started the
Club lost both Andrew Tarpey and Lyle Johnstone from the grand final side.
Serious injuries to Darryl Argus, Michael Ford and Chris Garrett, all who
missed several matches and with Andrew Krakouer being picked up the
mid season draft, our team balance was disorganised. It was difficult to
find players with experience that were able to replace them. In spite of
the loss of these players, a victory in the final home and away game would
have given us a chance for another flag. A bright note for the Club was
the blooding of youngsters Adam Williams, Paul Dimmattina, Steve Amiet,
Justin Crough, David MacGeorge and Leigh Snooks and the Grand Final victory
of the reserves.
Ladder position 6th
1994-: The most successful year in Zebra history. Due
to work commitments Darrell Fenton resigned as reserves coach and Colin
Carter took over. John Clarkson (Snr. Runner/Fitness Adviser) and Steven
Roach (Skills Coach) joined the coaching staff. Many players moved on for
various reasons, Michael Ford, Mark Williams, Andrew Krakouer, Warren McKenzie,
Jason Croall, Paul Dimattina. The return of 1992 premiership players Andrew
Tarpey and Lyle Johnstone was a big lift for the Club and the recruitment
of quality players in Ian Herman, Steve Moloney, Austin McCrabb, Mark Frater
and Paul McMaster added strength to our list. Of the 62 games the Club
contested for the year (1sts, 2nds and 3rds) the win loss ratio was an
amazing 54 to 8. On Sunday the 25th of September the Zebras created history
by winning three flags on the one day.
Ladder Position 1st.
1995-: Trevor Barker was offered the St. Kilda reserves
position and he and his whole support crew moved up the road. Tom Alvin
(Carlton) and Bernie Evans (Pt. Melb. / Sth. Melb) took over as senior
and reserves coaches respectively. As with other years following Zebra
premierships, there was a great turnover of player personnel. From the
'94 grand final side Sandringham was missing; Brett Bailey, Peter Czerkaski,
Chris Garrett, George Gorozidis, Lachlan Kellaway, Austin McCrabb, Paul
McMaster, Steve Moloney and Adrian Mackenzie. Still the season started
well with the Zebras winning the first five games. After beating Coburg
in the last home and away, Sandringham had to face up to Port Melbourne,
who had defeated the Zebras twice during the year, in the qualifying
final. After beating Port by 45 points Sandringham was defeated by Springvale
in the 2nd. semi by the same margin. The preliminary final saw a 68 point
margin in favor Sandringham over Port and the grand final went to Springvale
by 43 points.
Ladder Position 2nd.
1996-: Once again it was turnover of personnel that had
the Zebras on the back foot, losing Steve Amiet, Nick Hanson, Ian Herman,
Tom Keipert, Andrew Kellaway, Pat Lambert, Aaron Martello, Ben Oakley,
Robbie Walker, Adam Williams and Brian Winton all of who averaged 15 games
in '95. The best of the recruits for the year were Adam Coghlan and Shayne
Smith with 51 goals. Although the Zebras were still in with a chance to
make the final up to the last couple of games, it was the inability to
defeat the teams above us on the ladder (except for the premiers Springvale
whom we defeated twice) that brought about our demise. Sandringham finished
win 9 wins and 9 losses.
Ladder Position 6th.
1997-: Former Sandringham premiership player Andrew Collins
was appointed coach, his first task was to review the player list and playing
style. Only 23 players of the '96 list survived the pre season. New recruits
included David Grant, Darren Baxter, Paul Dear, and Glen Nugent. The other
28 added to the list were all young men ready to make their mark on senior
football. The most successful of these being Mark Haynes, Nick Sautner
and Heath Tregear. After suffering a 7 goal loss to Port Melbourne in the
opening round the Zebras put together 6 wins before being defeated at Frankston
by 29 points. Sandringham was going for 8 wins in a row when they played
Frankston in the last of the home and away game, and although this resulted
in a 6 point victory to Frankston, Collins was seen to smile, knowing his
sided had what was needed to beat them come finals time. In the qualifying
final the Zebras disposed of Springvale by 25 points and faced Frankston
in the 2nd. semi. Collins was once again smiling after a 41 points Zebras
victory. On grand final day it was Frankston who stood between Sandringham
and their 3rd. flag in the 90's. With a score line of Sandringham 10.13
to Frankston 5.14 the Zebras proved that it is finals wins that count.
Ladder Position 1st.
1998-: "Back to Back" was once again the aim. Given
the turmoil at the end of season '97, the lack of preparation (viz recruiting
and injury assessment) was evident and to finish sixth was creditable,
but, as a whole, underachieving. With a 9 and 9 result for the season the
Zebras scraped into the final six only to be defeated by 10.8 at the hands
of Springvale.
Ladder Position 6th.
1999-: Graeme Yeats (Melbourne) was appointed as coach
and ex premiership player Bret Bailey returned as his right hand man. Recruiting
for the season saw no big names joining Sandringham, with Chad Liddell
being the only senior AFL player. The return of Adam Coghlan, Lachlan Oakley
and Richard Maloney brought both strength and experience. The remainder
of the list was made up of players from the under 18 competition. The move
of Sautner to full forward and the realisation that we had a ready made
tagger in reserves player Dan Carroll, were two plusses for the coaching
staff. Without a recognised ruckman it was always going to be hard against
the bigger sides and it was upto our mid field to shark the ball away.
At the half way mark of the season Sandringham had 3 wins, a draw and 5
losses. The draw, the time on loss by 11 points to Frankston and the 5
point controversial lost to Werribee were always going to prove costly.
In the second half of the year the Zebras put it together, dropping only
one game, going down to Springvale by 25 points. The 11.1.6 final ratio
put Sandringham in sixth spot. After defeating Werribee by 19 points, Frankston
by 26 points, the Zebras bowed out of the race for the flag going down
to Nth. Ballarat by 80 points.
Ladder Position 3rd.
2000-: The year 2000 saw a revamped format for the VFL competition. With the abolition of AFL reserves, a new 18 team comp was formed with a combination of VFL stand alone clubs (Springvale, Frankston, Northern Bullants, Coburg / Fitzroy, Bendigo and North Ballarat ), AFL stand alone clubs ( Carlton, Essendon, St Kilda, Geelong, Collingwood and Richmond) plus AFL and VFL aligned clubs (Sandringham with Melbourne, Box Hill with Hawthorn, Werribee with the Western Bulldogs, Williamstown also with the Western Bulldogs, Port Melbourne with Sydney and North Melbourne forming the Murray Kangaroos with players from the Murray area).
Because of the early start to the season, due to the Olympics,
Graeme Yeats had pre season underway the first week in November. Natural
attrition saw many of the '99 side move on (including our Captain Darren
Mitchelson) with their places being filled by recruits from the Dragons.
March 18th saw the Zebs kick off the
season with a 35 point victory over the Murray Kangaroos, with a side consisting
of 10 Melbourne and 12 Sandringham players. This was the first of five
wins in a row, before going down to Geelong by 21 points, on a Monday night
at Waverley Park. Another straight six wins before a 14 point loss to Williamstown
in round 13. Four more victories, a loss to Springvale and a 37 win over
Port Melbourne saw Sandringham finish the season two games clear of North
Ballarat at the top of the ladder. The 40 point victory in the round 17
clash against Carlton, at the Beach Oval, had many of the older supporters
claiming it was the best game they had seen in decades.
The qualifying final once again saw Sandringham venture
to Waverley on a Monday night, but this time the opponents were St Kilda
and a one point victory was the result.
Two weeks later the venue was Port Melbourne and the
opponent, Carlton, in the Preliminary Final. A classy display of football
assured the Zebras victory and a place in the grand final; the winning
margin of 74 points was more than anyone expected.
August 27th saw Sandringham front North Ballarat
in the Grand Final at Waverley Park, a ground many thought was too big
for the Sandringham style of play. But, by quarter time the Zebs had kicked
4.6.30 to North's 5 behinds and set the pattern for the day. 3 goals 4
against the breeze to North Ballarat's 3 straight goals gave Sandringham
a 6 goal buffer at the long break. In the second half North Ballarat got
within 22 points and out scored Sandringham by four points but were never
able to overcome the initial break. Final scores Sandringham 15.18.108
to North Ballarat 11.11.77
To win all but three games for the year was a credit to both the players and coaching staff, when you consider the facts. The Melbourne players only trained with their Sandringham counterparts on the Friday night before the game, giving little time to learn each others names let alone their strengths and weaknesses. The Club used 50 players (29 Melbourne and 21 Sandringham) in the seniors for the year, which must rank as a record. The average number of changes to the selected side throughout the year was four. One week saw 7 changes, 4 weeks had 6 changes and on 6 occasions the side included 5 new faces.
Of the fifty players to wear the Yellow, Black and Blue in the seniors, only six failed to score a goal for Sandringham during the season. Whelan, Tingay, L. Oakley and James McDonald all played only one game each while McNicholas played two and fullback Adam Coghlan played 20 games without bothering the scorer.
What started as a year full of questions about bringing
the two sides together: how can we achieve team balance? how many players
from each team? how much say will the coaching staff have in team selection
? and so on, ended by answering any sceptics or critics with two flags,
and setting the model which it is almost centains will be followed
by other clubs in the future.
Ladder Position 1st.
(Taken in part from The Zebra Story by Albert Hubbard)
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