VFL Match Report: Round 7 vs St Kilda

11/05/2026

Sandringham’s clash with St Kilda in the inaugural Trevor Barker Cup had all the hallmarks of a rivalry set to grow for years to come, with the Zebras going down by 15 points in a fiercely contested encounter.

With debutants Jhett Haeata, Callum Smith and Ollie Griffiths pulling on the yellow, black and blue for the first time, we brought energy and intent from the opening bounce in a game played with enormous pressure and physicality throughout.

The first quarter was a tight battle around the stoppages, but we were sharp when moving the ball forward. A brilliant coast-to-coast passage involving Jet Peckett, Blake Watson and Noah Yze ended with the latter strolling into an open goal, before Bode Stevens found Haeata, whose quick thinking set up Jack Ferraro for an easy finish directly in front.

Ferraro continued to loom as a dangerous aerial target, hauling in a strong contested mark from a Darcy Chirgwin delivery before converting truly. Watson’s pressure then created another opportunity, with Andreas Stefanakis snapping his first of the day from 15 metres out.

Momentum continued to swing our way when Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott intercepted on the wing in the forward half, turning defence into attack and helping create back-to-back goals for Stefanakis. The forward finished with three goals for the afternoon and was instrumental in helping us establish scoreboard pressure early. Our efficiency also stood out in the opening term, booting an accurate four goals straight.

The second quarter only intensified as the physical nature of the contest came to the fore. A huge tackle early lifted the energy around the ground before Stevens found himself in the right spot for an uncontested chest mark, calmly converting from 45 metres out.

Ben Stephenson produced an important tackle deep in defence, and Stefanakis then completed his hat-trick with a brilliant finish from deep on the boundary, extending our lead to 11 points.

The Saints responded late in the quarter, but we continued to find opportunities through the composure of Chirgwin, who was outstanding across four quarters. Time and again he found the football under immense pressure, using the ball efficiently and driving us forward with precision.

A strong breakaway and handball from Chirgwin helped set up Yze inside 50 via debutant Smith, while Watson delivered a crucial late smother as St Kilda took a narrow lead into the main break.

The third quarter became a genuine arm wrestle. Kirkwood-Scott stood tall behind the ball with several strong chest marks, while Haeata’s physical presence in defence added toughness around the contest. For more than 14 minutes neither side could score a goal, highlighting the relentless pressure being applied across the ground.

Despite repeatedly working the ball out of defensive 50, we struggled to capitalise on forward entries and went goalless for the term as the Saints gained momentum.

Lach Riley worked tirelessly across half-back in the final quarter, including a clutch smother that epitomised the side’s “never give up” attitude on the day. Kirkwood-Scott finally broke through for our first goal of the second half, and his first in Sandy colours, immediately celebrating as the ball sailed through to cut the margin to 13 points.

Smith also enjoyed a memorable moment, slotting his first goal for the club late in the contest, while Owen Bater’s intercept marking created another opportunity finished neatly by Ferraro, who capped off another strong performance in attack.

Nathan Philactides continued to provide important support around the clearances, while Adrian Cole, Peckett and Bater impressed with their second efforts and defensive pressure to limit St Kilda’s ball movement.

Despite the result, we controlled large portions of the contest, finishing with a dominant 62-43 inside 50 advantage and winning the clearances 47-28. Our ability to win territory and first possession highlighted our competitiveness throughout the afternoon, but inaccuracy proved costly, kicking 3.15 after quarter time in an otherwise spirited performance that showed this new rivalry with St Kilda is only just beginning.

We’ll bounce back next week on Sunday 17 May against GWS at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval for a 1:05pm start.

SANDRINGHAM   4.0, 6.6, 6.9, 9.16 (70)
ST KILDA                3.3, 7.6, 10.7, 13.7 (85)

Goals
Stefanakis (3), Ferraro (2), Kirkwood-Scott, Smith, Stevens, Yze

Visit the VFL website for full stats

Photos: Archie Edelsten - Sandringham FC Media

Written by Casey McGuire - Sandringham FC Media