VFLW Match Report: Round 12 vs Geelong

14/07/2025

Downie debuts and Locke stars as we finish strong against the Cats.

Photography by Anthony Vella

It was an unforgettable afternoon at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval as we claimed a thrilling seven-point victory over Geelong in a contest full of grit, composure, and belief. We never stopped fighting, and in the end, our persistence paid off in a big way.

First Quarter

Alison Downie made her club debut and didn’t miss a beat in the first quarter, collecting six disposals and taking control in the ruck early.

Our defence stood strong, with Deanna Jolliffe taking a big intercept mark and standing tall under pressure. Geelong managed to capitalise on two inside-50 entries, one from a mark and another from a free kick, but we saw some positive signs late in the quarter, especially through Arianna Clarke and Grace Hodder, who started getting their hands on the ball and lifting our intensity.

Score: Sandringham 0.0 (0) to Geelong 2.1 (13)

Second Quarter

We came out with purpose and energy, and it didn’t take long to hit the scoreboard. Sophie Locke marked cleanly inside fifty and converted the set shot to give us our first major of the day.

Although Geelong answered with two running goals, including one from long range, we kept our composure. Locke again stood up, pulling in another strong grab and kicking truly for her second goal of the term.

Hodder was everywhere through the midfield, finding the ball with ease, while Abbey Tregellis added spark and drive around stoppages.

Score: Sandringham 2.0 (12) to Geelong 4.1 (25)

Third Quarter

We dominated large portions of the third quarter, with Melanie Bertuna providing the highlight crumbing the ball at the top of the square and slotting a composed goal to bring us within striking distance.

Zoe Barbakos added a spark through the midfield and across half-forward, while we began to control the tempo with patient short kicking and smart decisions with the ball.

Locke was electric, racking up 12 disposals by the end of the quarter and looking dangerous every time she got involved.

Score: Sandringham 3.2 (20) to Geelong 4.1 (25)

Fourth Quarter

We came home with a mountain of momentum.

Locke continued her stellar day, earning a free kick for a push in the back and coolly converting from 40 metres out to give us the lead. It was a moment that ignited the home crowd.

Then came more brilliance from Downie, who pulled in a strong intercept mark before winning a 50-metre penalty. She calmly slotted the goal to extend our lead and underline her incredible debut.

Geelong hit back, getting out the back and running into an open goal to close the margin to just one point. The pressure was on, but we didn’t blink.

With time winding down, Clarke earned a free kick inside 50, played on quickly and centred the ball beautifully to Ash Patton, who marked strongly at the top of the square. With the siren sounding shortly after, Patton made no mistake, sealing the win and sparking huge celebrations across the ground.

Sandringham Zebras: 0.0        2.0       3.2        6.3         (39)

Geelong:                         2.1        4.1       4.1        5.2         (32)   

Disposals: Grace Hodder (18), Arianna Clarke (16), Alison Downie (16)

Goals: Sophie Locke (3), Melanie Bertuna, Alison Downie, Ash Patton    

Visit the VFL website for full stats. 

The Zebs will look to get another win to hold onto a top two position on the ladder as we take on Essendon at Windy Hill on Saturday at 11:05am!

Written by Josh Speechley - Sandringham FC Media