Dragons make it six in a row

The Sandringham Dragons have made it six wins in a row after a final quarter comeback against the Eastern Ranges.

The Dragons trailed by 13 points early in the final quarter when former Dragon Devlin Brereton kicked his second goal but four unanswered goals secured the 9.12 (66) to 8.8 (56) victory.

Sandringham dominated the match early but were unable to capitalise, allowing the Eastern Ranges to score three quick stoppage goals, and cutting their lead to four-points at the main break.  

Sandringham Dragons assistant coach Jackson Kornberg said the last few minutes of the second quarter the Dragons let themselves down.  

“I thought certainly for the first half, except for maybe the last 5-6 minutes in the second quarter, we were in control of the game,” he said.

“That patch in the second quarter we really let ourselves down around the stoppage and Eastern’s mids certainly made us pay.”

However, Kornberg said it was pleasing to see the boys fight back after an early fourth quarter deficit.

“It’s good to see our boys dig in though, especially when they were significantly challenged midway through the final quarter and were down by two goals.”

Midfielder Ryan Byrnes was named best after gathering a game-high 39 disposals, six tackles, five marks, five inside 50s and five rebound 50s.

“I thought Byrnesy was outstanding today, he’s built up a really good last few weeks and has really earned the respect of all within, not just the team, but the squad of 74,” Kornberg said.

After returning from a stint in the VFL, Kai Owens was given the coaches’ award after amassing 36 disposals, seven markers, five tackles and three inside 50s.

“Kai put in a terrific performance, he really set us up in the first quarter with his work in general play as a midfielder,” Kornberg said.

The Sandringham Dragons will now face the Oakleigh Chargers on Sunday August 19.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

Goal Kickers: N. Stamatis 3, J. Rendell 2, T. Long, G. Grey, O. McMASTER, K. Yorke
Best Players: R. Byrnes, K. Owens, J. Rendell, C. Watts, N. Stamatis, H. Houlahan