Dragons swoop on Falcons

The Sandringham Dragons are back on the winner’s list after overcoming an early deficit to defeat the Geelong Falcons 8.12 (60) to 6.6 (42).

After being kept goalless in the first quarter, the Dragons kicked eight of the next 10 goals to record their fourth win of the season against the reigning premiers.

Continuing his strong start to the season, forward Harry Bede kicked three crucial third quarter goals to give Sandringham a 16-point lead at the final change.

After a string of losses Dragons coach Jeremy Barnard said he was proud of the boys for bringing their trademark to the game.

“When we pull on the Dragon’s jumper we want to play with Dragons intensity,” he said.

“We brought our effort and intensity today … we had 97 tackles, the most we’ve had in six weeks.”

The Dragons debuted five players, including a player from the supplementary list, to bring the total number of players used to over 50 for the season.

“This is one of the best wins I’ve been involved in as senior coach,” Barnard said.

“We had 26 players to pick from, we brought people in from the supplementary list, we had five first gamers come into the side and our senior player stepped up to the plate.

“When you get all that you overcome adversity.”

After praising the efforts of the senior players, Joe Griffiths was awarded the coaches’ award after kicking two goals and a dominate display in the ruck and around the ground.

Kai Owens was named best for the second time this season after gathering a team-high 27 disposals including nine tackles, nine inside 50s and three marks.

The Sandringham Dragons will now face the top-of-the-ladder Dandenong Stringrays at Shepley Oval on June 3.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS

Goal Kickers: H. Bede 4, J. Griffiths 2, T. Milne, T. Fogarty
Best Players: K. Owens, J. Griffiths, R. Byrnes, H. Bede, C. Watts, X. Verdnik

- Kavisha Di Pietro