VFLW Practice Match Report vs Box Hill

20/04/2026

Sandringham’s first pre-season hit out ended in a 49-point loss to Box Hill at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

While the scoreboard didn’t reflect the efforts out on the field, the match provided a valuable early look at a developing, new-look side with glimpses of cohesion and encouraging signs to build on as the season approaches.

Hard, flat kicking and a willingness to take the game on were evident, with players like Bella Enno and Courtney Aughtie standing up with intercept marks to halt Box Hill’s momentum. Grace Hodder’s clearance work also gave us brief opportunities to reset, though the side struggled to convert those moments into effective forward entries. Despite some structured ball movement, the quarter ended scoreless for the Zebs.

The second term followed a similar pattern, but we began to show more resistance and flashes of attacking cohesion. Defensive pressure lifted, with Emma Stuber producing a standout smother and Sunday Hollingsworth setting the tone with relentless chasing and tackling efforts. Charlotte Hewitson also applied strong pressure in the defensive 50, helping to slow Box Hill’s scoring chains.

A well-worked sequence involving Kera Galaminda-Gellar, Jo Lin and Cleo Phillips resulted in Phillips slotting our first goal of the day, rewarding persistence and improved ball use going inside 50. While Box Hill continued to capitalise on their opportunities, the quarter showed that we could generate scoring chances when our ball movement clicked, even if consistency remained a work in progress.

After halftime, our effort and defensive accountability continued to stand out, leaving the opposition with only one goal for the term. The third quarter featured several strong individual efforts that underlined the team’s intent. Georgia Zuchowski applied excellent forward pressure, Isobel Hartog contributed with both marking and crucial smothers inside 50 and Ava Bibby showed composure in defence with strong contested marks.

Hollingsworth’s physical presence was particularly notable, repeatedly laying powerful tackles that lifted teammates and disrupted Box Hill’s flow. There were also encouraging passages through the midfield, with Mackenzie Williams and Galaminda-Gellar linking up well. Although the finishing touch remained elusive, the overall ball movement and pressure suggested a side beginning to find its rhythm.

The final quarter continued in much the same vein, with Box Hill adding the final polish to the scoreboard while we focused on effort, structure and connection. Sophie Casey and Alana Porter both showed strength in contested situations, while Enno continued to provide drive and composure coming out of defence, linking up effectively with Kristy Stratton and Tayla Kearns. Williams’ work rate stood out in the closing stages, consistently finding space, taking marks and using the ball effectively to maintain forward momentum out of defence.

While the result didn’t fall the Zebs way, the match served its purpose as an early pre-season test. The team showed a willingness to take the game on, defend with intensity and build connections across the ground despite limited time together.

SANDRINGHAM   0.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3 (9)

BOX HILL              3.1, 6.3, 7.3, 9.4 (58)

Goals
Phillips

Photos: Anthony Vella

Written by Casey McGuire - Sandringham FC Media