GIRLS GO OUT IN STYLE

By Jonty Ralphsmith

That’s the way to finish a season.

After thinking that last week’s loss to GWV would be their last outing, Sandringham were afforded one final opportunity to pull on the jersey.

This time they ruled the game from start to finish, beating Oakleigh 8.10 58 to 3.5 23 at RSEA Park.

At 3-Quarter Time with a lead of 16 points, stand-in coach Danny Byrne implored the side to stay on top to give the girls leaving the program the grand exit they deserved.

They delivered.

Efficiency going inside 50 slickness through the midfield despite inclement weather wrapped up the victory.

The pressure and intensity that they showed throughout was cognisant with the tight bond the girls formed throughout the year.

The Dragons were unable to capitalise on their ascendancy in general play in the first quarter, going into the first break at a goal apiece, lacking some composure with ball in hand.

But they got more bang for their buck in the second quarter as major contributors throughout the season stood up to give them a 15 point halftime lead.

Mia Zielinski clunked marks as the deepest forward and Kera Galaminda kicked two goals from crumbs in that period as Sandy stifled any Oakleigh charge with repeat inside 50s.

In the midfield, captain Keely Coyne got plenty of the ball and was unrushed with her disposal.

Sofia Hurley played off half-forward and was typically classy and potent showing her ability to impact wherever she is with four shots on goal.

Goals: Hurley 2, Zielinski 2, Galaminda 2, Staltari, Luca

BEST: Coyne, Hurley, Zielinski, Webster, Embelton, Staltari