A three-goal haul against Carlton's VFL side wasn't enough for Saint Jack Billings to steer Sandinrgham to victory, but it did mark a successful return to the field for the midfield-forward hybrid.
After suffering a leg fracture in February, Billings was ruled out for the first month of the home and away season while adding to St Kilda's overflowing injury ward at Moorabbin.
Saints spearhead Tim Membrey was brought through the VFL against Frankston last week before being named in Ross Lyon's side for the first time, with Billings likely to follow suit following his strong return from injury.
While the Zebras suffered a narrow three-point loss to the Blues, Billings was among the standouts with a team-high three majors from 22 disposals at Ikon Park.
Billing and fellow Saints teammate Jack Bytel (38 disposals, nine clearances) feasted from the ruck dominance of Tom Campbell and Max Heath, who combined for 45 hit-outs as Carlton relied solely on first-year tall Hudson O'Keeffe.
Blues ruck-forward Tom De Koning was managed at both levels for the Blues, while third-string ruckman Alex Mirkov was joined by Harry Lemmey and Sam Durdin in being removed from the side.
The lack of key position talent didn't hinder Luke Power's side however, with 2022 VFL best and fairest winner Paddy Dow continuing his dominant campaign with a 40-disposal outing.
Dow also added six clearances, five marks, five tackles and six inside 50s to his stat line against the Zebras, while second-year Blue Jack Carroll posted 37 possessions and a goal in the win.
Wingman Jaxon Binns continued to impress with 29 possessions and one goal to back up his exciting form from recent weeks, while defender Jordan Boyd made a successful return from a foot injury.
He was joined by Lachie Plowman on Carlton's last line, with the Blues backman returning to VFL level after being a late inclusion for the Blues' Gather Round clash with Adelaide last Thursday.
Plowman stood tall in the final moments of the match with a contested intercept mark to prevent the Zebras from moving forward and stealing the victory.
The result sees Carlton claim their third win of the season and move into sixth on the ladder for the time being, while Sandringham suffered fourth win from five games to be placed among the bottom third of the competition.
