North Melbourne’s finals hopes have been dashed after a 23-point defeat to Sandringham on Sunday afternoon.

In-form forward Georgie Payne continued to press his case for an AFL debut, kicking a season-high six goals for the Kangaroos.

However the hosts were a class above as they picked up the 19.15 (129) to 16.10 (106) victory at Trevor Barker Beach Oval.

ZEBRAS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats

Efficiency was the story of the tale in the high-scoring encounter, with the Kangaroos kicking 10 goals from just 25 inside 50s in the first half.

The Zebras looked set to run away with it midway through the second term as they opened up a 49-point advantage, but five goals in 10 minutes from the Roos pegged back the margin to 19 at the main break.

Player watch

Livewire Geordie Payne strengthened his push for an AFL debut with another electric performance up forward, kicking a game-high six goals.

Payne was dangerous in the air and at ground level, with his speed and off-ball movement creating opportunities on the lead, presenting him with three first-half goals from set shots before half-time.

Cooper Trembath (13 disposals, seven marks) also enforced his aerial presence on the contest, crashing through packs and taking a number of superb pack marks, to go with two goals.

The swingman also showed his footy smarts to set up a couple of goals, most notably a kick to the top of the square to result in a Maley goal, before sneaking out the back behind the defenders to slot his second from the pocket midway through the third term.

Fellow defender-turned-forward Matt Whitlock competed in a similar fashion with his fierce attack on the footy in the air, to go with two goals.

Whitlock also provided one of the highlights of the day with a stunning right-footed snap deep in the pocket to keep the Roos alive midway through the second quarter.

Midfielder Will Phillips (20 disposals, five clearances) brought his toughness in and around the contest, competing hard to get first hands on the footy and clear it out of the middle, along with his immense pressure which saw him lay six tackles.

Taylor Goad (32 hitouts, five clearances) has built on his impressive form late in the season, continuing to prove himself as a weapon in the ruck and at ground level with his tap and clearance work.

The ruckman also made the most of his forward-half opportunities, kicking the Roos’ opener after drifting across the arc to get on the end of a crafty chip kick from Phillips. 

Ben Huggard (18 disposals, 12 intercepts) has slotted in seamlessly across half-back and was influential with his kicking and intercept work, along with Matthew Keast (17 disposals, eight marks) who was clean and composed out of the middle.

Next up

North Melbourne will host Frankston at Arden Street next Sunday, August 10. The first bounce is slated for 2.05pm AEST.

SANDRINGHAM                   6.6    12.8    16.12    19.15    (129)
NORTH MELBOURNE         3.1     10.1    12.5      16.10    (106)

GOALS
Sandringham: Rigoni 4, Campigli 3, Collard 2, Rozenes 2, Wilson, Voss, Maginness, Phillipou, Henry, Dodson, Seers, Schoenmaker

North Melbourne: Payne 6, Whitlock 2, Trembath 2, Goad, Scott, Maley, Macpherson, Downie, Lowe