MPFNL: Comeback man slots six as Chelsea responds to beat Bonbeach

A Chelsea forward who has come out of retirement was best-afield as the Seagulls responded to a rev-up to overpower Bonbeach, rekindling their Mornington Peninsula league season.

Shaun Foster kicked six goals in a best-on-ground display for Chelsea.

Chelsea coach Dave Willett strongly reminded his players it was a “privilege” to be in the Seagulls’ midfield during his quarter-time address on Saturday.

Willett was firm but measured as he sought to ignite a response from his side after it trailed a razor-sharp Bonbeach 23-6 in the MPFNL Division 2 clash at Beardsworth Ave.

The break came at a good time for Chelsea — and Willett’s words did have an impact; the Gulls piling on seven goals to Bonny’s one in the second quarter to set up a comfortable win 14.12 (96) to 9.9 (63).

Mitchell Backman celebrates a goal for Chelsea. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Chelsea playing assistant coach Shaun Foster, who was best-afield with six goals after making a comeback last month, said Willett’s words definitely helped turn things around.

“His coaching since he’s come back from overseas has been unbelievable,” Foster said of Willett.

“We’ve got 11 players out at the moment from the grand final side (of last season).

“So to be able move the magnets around and get people playing some roles, yeah, he’s coached his pants off I reckon.”

Foster added: “Sometimes you can highlight all the issues and don’t give any solutions but he’s always really good at, ‘this is what we’re doing wrong, boys’ — giving us that little clip if we need it — and then providing the solutions to how we’re going to get back on top.

“I think we executed that really well in the second quarter. We won that clearance battle and that gave us a better look.”

David Willett addresses Chelsea side at quarter time. Picture: Simon McEvoy

Will Barker celebrates a goal with a teammate. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Matty Dussin was impenetrable in defence, standing firm as an unwavering barrier that repelled every Bonbeach advance.

The second-quarter revival was spearheaded by Gulls veteran Todd Gardiner, who dominated the contested possessions to swing momentum decisively in Chelsea’s favour.

Foster was a big target in attack, mobile and strong, continuing his impact since coming out of retirement in Round 9.

The victory was built on strong contributions across the ground, with Zane Carter, Harry Schaffer and three-goal Mitchell Backman all playing crucial roles in securing the comprehensive triumph.

The win cemented third spot for Chelsea, which is 9-4.

Luke Gray-Wills takes a kick for Bonbeach. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Last season the Seagulls gained in strength as they went, storming into the grand final (only to be edged by Edi-Asp).

It could be the same this season.

“At this stage last year most people weren’t giving us much of a chance,” Foster said.

“It wasn’t until we got a bit of momentum through the finals series and started playing some really good footy.

“Hopefully we can get on a bit of a roll coming into finals.”

Foster has provided a strong target up forward in the absence of Jesse Davies, who is sidelined with an injured wrist.

Foster was up against his former club on Saturday and some Bonbeach people in the cowd were surprised — and impressed — by the sight of him in Chelsea’s forward line.

The man himself admitted he felt the nerves before the bounce.

“I had a look around before the game because I played over 100 games at Bonny so I know a lot of them,’’ Foster said.

“I said to myself, ‘gee, this is about the most nervous I’ve been before a game’…you started seeing all the familiar faces.’’

Bonbeach coach Troy Schwarze chats to his players on the ground long after the game finished. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Bonbeach had its chances to establish a winning break on Chelsea early but didn’t grab them. Coach Troy Schwarze kept his side out on the ground for at least 15 minutes after the game, discussing how they could have done things differently. Schwarze believes the Sharks have a bright future, with such a deep pool of young talent.

Bonny’s young brigade’s impressive early showing against a more experienced Chelsea outfit suggests Bonbeach’s future remains bright. The Sharks’ best included Jonah O’Connor, Jet Peckett, Harvey Gleeson and Brayden Chapple.