A sharp-shooting Sandringham defeated the Northern Blues in their final contest of the pre-season, the home side going down by 66 points at Visy Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Zebras kicked six unanswered goals to begin the game, with their fleet footed forwards – lead by Trent Dennis Lane (four goals) - causing headaches for the Blues defense all afternoon.

Northern were unable to weather the ferocious pressure applied at the contests, with Sandringham winning each quarter despite losing the possession count by 37.

Levi Casboult did his best to will his team back into the contest, with both of his goals coming from strong contested marks in the second quarter.

But Sandringham exploited the Blues turnovers in their back half, with efficient counter attacking football, creating opportunities for open goals and deep marks for their forwards.

Northern were made to rue their missed opportunities in front of goal, registering a disappointing 4 goals and 10 behinds from their 40 inside-50 entries.

Several players stood tall for the Blues in spite of the heavy defeat, with youngsters Cameron Giles and Patrick Cripps performing gallantly all afternoon.

Giles gathered 16 possessions in three quarters while limiting the impact of Sandringham’s Tom Lee in his key defensive post, while Cripps registered 16 possessions to compliment his three inside 50s and two tackles.

Nick Graham also continued his stellar form, picking up 30 possessions to be considered among Northern’s best.

Cameron Wood was dominant in the ruck contributing 45 hit-outs to help the midfield draw level in the clearances at 30 a piece.

Speaking with northernbluesfc.com.au post game, Giles expressed his disappointment in the loss but said it the focus was on regrouping for the clash against Williamstown.

“It felt good to get my hands on the ball a bit, but obviously it’s always disappointing when the team loses,” Giles said.

“It didn’t click for us today, unfortunately our structures got held down a bit.

“We’ll regroup now and hopefully be a bit more vocal and physical by the time we play against the Seagulls.”

The Northern Blues next match is against Williamstown in Round 1, on Sunday 6 April.

NORTHERN BLUES                 0.3       2.6       3.8      4.10 (34)
SANDRINGHAM ZEBRAS       6.1       9.3       12.4     16.4 (100)

GOALS: Casboult 2, Dufficy, Wilkinson