A PAIR of prospects tied to the Brisbane Lions starred as Sandringham Dragons secured their third consecutive Coates Talent League premiership on Saturday. The powerhouse Metro region defeated Greater Western Victoria (GWV) by 37 points in an imperious performance at IKON Park.

Signs were ominous as the Dragons stormed out of the blocks with six unanswered goals in the opening quarter. Their prime movers ran riot, including Lions father-son gun Levi Ashcroft and Academy product Samuel Marshall, who both hit the scoreboard from nine disposals apiece.

The Rebels were implored to stay positive at the first break, and after conceding a lead of 55 points, broke through for their opening major 15 minutes into the second quarter. Despite two-straight goals via Oliver Hannaford and Floyd Burmeister, that same 55-point gap was restored come half time.

With one side dominating proceedings, the sting was somewhat taken out of the contest thereafter. Sandringham lost star man Murphy Reid through injury in the third term, and the Rebels’ constant effort meant they won the second half by eight goals to five. In the end, though, it was a bridge much too far.

Marshall was named best afield for his stellar four-quarter performance, carving up the opposition with 28 disposals, six inside 50s and two goals. Ashcroft, who achieved a rare individual three-peat at the level, was the next clear standout with 29 touches, six clearances, and three goals.

Dragons spearhead Harry Armstrong was not to be denied in front of the big sticks, booting a game-high four goals. He was one of Sandringham’s five multiple goalkickers. Inclusion Sam Buck managed two, as did the youngest player afield, Jack Surkitt as he won a flag at just 16 years-old.

They say defence wins premierships and Sandringham’s was humming. Smalls Mitchell Kirkwood-Scott (21 disposals, 10 marks) and Harrison Oliver (18 disposals, five marks) helped set up the play, while Lennox Hofmann (five marks) was resolute and Adrian Cole played an important role on Jonty Faull.

For the Rebels, top 30 riser Oliver Hannaford never gave in and finished with 24 disposals, nine tackles and seven clearances. The likes of Jack Ough (21 disposals) and Rhys Unwin (19) were also serviceable in midfield, with the latter amassing a game-high 11 clearances.

While held goalless, Faull firmly got the better of Cole up the ground to take five marks and notch six inside 50s. He lacked opportunities inside 50. Fellow big man Floyd Burmeister bagged a pair of goals along with Reggie Mast and Talor Byrne, as the trio accounted for over half their side’s score.

SANDRINGHAM 6.1 | 11.3 | 14.5 | 16.7 (103)
GWV REBELS 0.0 | 2.2 | 6.3 | 10.6 (66)

GOALS:

Sandringham: H. Armstrong 4, L. Ashcroft 3, S. Marshall 2, J. Surkitt 2, S. Buck 2, M. Reid, Z. Travers, N. Sulzberger
GWV Rebels: T. Byrne 2, F. Burmeister 2, R. Mast 2, O. Hannaford, F. Molan, R. Unwin, S. McDonald

RMC BEST:

Sandringham: S. Marshall, L. Ashcroft, H. Armstrong, H. Oliver, M. Kirkwood-Scott, L. Hofmann
GWV Rebels: O. Hannaford, R. Unwin, J. Ough, F. Burmeister, J. Faull, T. Byrne

BOG: Sam Marshall (Sandringham Dragons)