VFLW Practice Match Report vs Casey Demons

04/05/2026

Sandringham's final practice match ended on a high, securing a 39-point win over the Casey Demons at Casey Fields on Saturday. 

After the previous practice match, we took time to reflect, learn and build as a team and showed the development and improved connection throughout the match. 

In the first term, we came out pumping through every contest. Zoe Barbakos wasinfluential in our forward 50, presenting strongly in contests and creating scoring opportunities for teammates. Deanna Jolliffe led the forwards with relentless pressure, which allowed us to win the contest, causing stress for Casey’s defenders. Mackenzie Williams had a terrific spoil along the boundary, which sparked a clear passage of play and a goal to finish the quarter off strong. 

In the second quarter, we continued with our focus on pressure, as Casey started to lift their game. Ava Bibby worked hard in every ruck contest, and having players like Bella Enno and Garce Hodder with exceptional clearance work helped us win the stoppages. The Demons started to convert and score, looking stronger as the quarter went on. Ali Hynes was in every contest inside the defensive 50, leading by example with repeated efforts. 

In the second half, there was a focus on communication when in the contest and being able to convert opportunities. Both teams came out firing, but that didn't stop us from showing our defensive accountability and effort that carried over from the first half. Bridget Koczek set the tone with great composure in the contest to help with scoring chances, and Lily Skinner displayed confidence in creating space and moving the ball to provide scoring opportunities. Despite Caseys’ continued efforts, our chasing and tackling efforts were next level. Tayla Kearns showcased amazing forward pressure and was rewarded with a goal, as well as Jo Lin communicating well inside 50, which led to a goal. 

In the last term, it was clear that we had momentum and a system that was working, showing the cohesion of the team. Sunday Hollingsworth always persisted in the contest and moved the ball well towards our inside 50. Erin Woodford and Jacinta Boyd's work rate was immense and stood out with amazing tackles that allowed opportunities for goals. Alana Porter sustained defensive intensity throughout, limiting Casey from scoring.

Post-match, Head Coach, Jack Frost praised the group’s intensity and pressure across the game, highlighting a significant midfield lift with a +15 clearance advantage in the second half, along with a strong tackle count. He also commended the team’s resilience, noting their ability to respond to physical contests and maintain effort from the opening bounce through to the final siren.

The performance capped off a productive pre-season, reflecting the work put in at training and providing a strong foundation heading into Round 1 on Saturday 16 May!

SANDRINGHAM      5.2, 6.3, 8.5, 10.5 (65)

CASEY DEMONS      0.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.2 (26)

Photos: Anthony Vella

Written by Jess Holland - Sandringham FC Media