OAKLEIGH Chargers claimed bragging rights over local rivals Sandringham Dragons in Friday night’s standalone Coates Talent League fixture. The Chargers led from the first goal in dour conditions at RSEA Park, and held firm in the face of Sandringham’s late surge to run out 26-point victors.

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS 1.1 | 2.2 | 2.8 | 4.9 (33)
OAKLEIGH CHARGERS 1.2 | 4.8 | 5.11 | 7.17 (59)

GOALS:
Sandringham: K. Watt 2, S. Levine, R. Theodoropoulos
Oakleigh: B. George 2, R. Hobson, K. Stewart, F. Woolhouse, N. Yze, W. Verwoert

BEST:
Sandringham: J. Dalton, W. Reidy, K. Watt, R. Theodoropoulos, S. Levine, C. Rozenes
Oakleigh: J. Newsome, C. Whitehead, N. Yze, D. Kerr, W. Johnson, H. Dixon

SANDRINGHAM DRAGONS:

#2 Jack Dalton
Midfielder | 177cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 35 disposals, 6 marks, 5 clearances

Having been cruelled by injuries over the last couple of years, Dalton returned with a bang to Coates Talent League level. He led all comers with 35 disposals and utilised his strong running ability all night, especially during attacking phases. Dalton was clean in the clinches with 19 contested possessions, but also looked to chain up handballs on the move and spread hard on forward transitions. The left-footer was a little more rusty with his kicking, running at 33 per cent efficiency, but gave his all and will surely be gunning hard for a look into the Vic Metro side.

#5 Ricky Theodoropoulos
Small Forward | 170cm | 05/04/2007

Stats: 19 disposals, 4 clearances, 1 goal

It was a fairly typical game from Theodoropoulos, who capped off his game nicely with a couple of goal assists. The lively small showed great vision to find teammates on obscure angles and looked dangerous when driving his legs to carve through traffic. He hunted the ground balls and proved viable at stoppages up the field, winning four clearances. Theodoropoulos also booted Sandringham’s first goal thanks to a clever tap on from Sacha Levine.

#32 Miles Tyrer
Ruck | 200cm | 18/08/2007

Stats: 17 disposals, 10 tackles, 14 hitouts

A train-on in the Vic Metro squad, Tyrer returned a strong performance as Sandringham’s primary ruck. He fared best in duels around the ground, using his strength to frame off opponents and take the ball out of the ruck. Tyrer also followed up well to lay 10 tackles and stay involved in the game, but perhaps lacked the same impact away from the contest. His best moment in that aspect was a mark in the defensive goalsquare from an Oakleigh set shot in the first quarter.

#60 Sacha Levine
Midfielder | 188cm | 26/04/2007

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 tackles, 1 goal

Levine continues to be a mainstay in Sandringham’s midfield and displayed more of the same smooth movement which catches the eye. The 188cm prospect found space with ease and knew where the pressure would come, showing great awareness at stoppages. He looked like one of the most polished players afield and slotted an important set shot goal in the final quarter to give his side momentary hope. His tap assist for Theodoropoulos’ opening goal was also a highlight.

OAKLEIGH CHARGERS:

#2 Jack Poustie
Midfielder | 177cm | 14/06/2008

Stats: 24 disposals, 5 marks, 5 inside 50s

Poustie showed out in arguably his best game at the level, leading Oakleigh’s disposal count ahead of seasoned over-age midfielders. The bottom-ager’s running ability was an asset in transition, finding space on the outside and using slick steps to get out of the pocket. Poustie competed well overhead for a smaller player and looked keen to work forward in combination with teammates. He also had a couple of set shots on goal which he couldn’t quite convert after drawing free kicks.

#10 Doug Kerr
Midfielder | 192cm | 03/08/2006

Stats: 21 disposals, 5 marks, 6 tackles

Collingwood NGA

Kerr leant on his best traits to make an impact, teaming up with fellow over-ager Noah Yze to form a sizable midfield pairing. He used his strong frame and clean hands to advantage at stoppages and when marking around the ground, also proving hard to tackle when he could roll his shoulders or spin. Kerr’s kicking, while penetrative at times, continues to be an area for improvement.

#15 Noah Yze
Midfielder | 191cm | 12/04/2006

Stats: 23 disposals, 6 tackles, 7 clearances

Melbourne F/S

Yze came up clutch in the final quarter with a booming goal which ultimately put the game to bed. With his side leading by 11 points entering the final five minutes, he milked the clock and sunk his 55m set shot to seal the deal. The over-ager was otherwise typically strong at the contest, utilising his 191cm frame to prise a game-high seven clearances, albeit blazing away at times by foot.

#29 Charlie Whitehead
Forward | 191cm | 29/03/2007

Stats: 22 disposals, 4 tackles, 4 inside 50s

Coming off a personal-best 31 touches last time out, Whitehead was again prominent for the Chargers. The tall utility was not afraid to take on opponents or bite off kicks to open up the play, proving nimble and skilful for his size. His ability to work up the ground and forge a way forward was impressive, especially when able to brush off would-be tacklers in the process.