VFLW Match Report: Round 2 vs Casey 

28/04/2025

The Zebras remain undefeated to begin 2025 with a nail biting win over Casey

Photography by Jake Phillips

The Zebras didn't surrender the lead once against a determined Demons outfit, holding off Casey by two points at RSEA Park. 

The foundations were laid early, as Sophie Locke picked up from where she left off last week, booting a goal on the run within the opening minute of the contest to bring her season tally to four. Our defence remained on top in the first quarter, stifling the Demons as we kept them scoreless for the entire term. The Demons matched our physicality, with both sides mounting the pressure. As the quarter entered the final few minutes, we managed to break the scoring drought, with Emily Shepherd delivering us our second goal by snapping over her shoulder in front of goal. 

The second quarter saw us face more pressure on the scoreboard from the Demons, as they registered two behinds before slotting their first goal of the game in the ninth minute. We worked the ball into promising opportunities, but Casey managed to keep us off the scoreboard to keep our lead at three at the main break. 

We emerged from the rooms matching our energy from the start of the game, waiting just over two minutes to strike another major. Lauren Brazzale received a handball from Hannah Stuart and had the journey from nearly 50 metres to deliver a superb goal. We’d continue to put pressure on the Demons, with Abbey Tregellis earning a behind before Arianna Clarke followed up with our fourth goal just a couple of minutes later. A cushiony 15-point lead heading into the final term soon turned into just two with a little over six minutes to play, however our defence stood tall to fend off any chance of Casey stealing the win at the death. The ball was in the forward 50 for the Dees before the siren sounded to conclude a thrilling contest. 

Top Performers 

In a tight low scoring affair defensive work rate was the key to the Zebras win, with four players laying 10 or more tackles. Charlotte Baskaran and J’Noemi Anderson laid 12 apiece while Imogen Evans and Erica Fowler laid 11 and 10 respectively. Baskaran found a lot of the footy herself though, accumulating 21 disposals and four clearances, while Fowler chopped out in the ruck on her way to 18 possessions and five clearances.

Emily Shepherd was also crucial in the victory, adding 13 disposals to go along with her goal. 

Sandringham Zebras:  2.0        2.0       4.1       4.2       (26)

Casey Demons:              0.0        1.3       1.4       3.6       (24)        

The Zebs will look to make it three on the trot as we visit Carlton at Ikon Park next Saturday!

Written by Jake Beddard - Sandringham FC Media