MPFNL Division 2: ‘Sensational’ goal as Seaford edges Chelsea

The Tiger spirit was on full display as the men in yellow and black knocked off traditional rivals Chelsea — after a rousing talk from a former club champion.

Seaford beat long-time rivals Chelsea for the first time in nine years on Saturday.

Back in the day, Seaford would do just about anything to beat Chelsea.

The fierce rivalry between the proud clubs was made crystal clear to Seaford’s young players in the lead up to Saturday’s clash at Beardsworth Ave — and it definitely had an effect.

The old Tiger spirit was on full display as the men in yellow and black knocked off Chelsea by four points, 8.11 (59) to 7.13 (55), a superb goal by Seth Kelly at the 26-minute mark winning the game.

It was Seaford’s first win over Chelsea in nine years.

And it continued the Tigers’ impressive start to the MPFNL Division 2 season — they are 3-1 and in second spot.

“We felt like we’ve been building,’’ Seaford coach Rohan Bleeker said.

“But to actually take a scalp was probably the most pleasing thing with the young group. It was a significant win for the club.”

Last week, Bleeker and Tigers official Paul Kennedy delved into the Seaford-Chelsea rivalry, and organised for a former Tigers champion to speak to the players on Thursday night.

“We got Frank Tobin down,’’ Bleeker said.

“He was in and amongst it in the 1980s when local footy was pretty hectic.

“He came down and told the boys some stories in regards to the brutality and how they used to get police escorts and all that type of stuff.

“The boys brought into some of the old stories. It was petty fitting.”

Frank Tobin is one of only two men (his 1985 premiership teammate Craig Bartley being the other) to play in Seaford premierships at U16, U18, reserves and senior level.

With Seaford captain Will Kennedy in the ruck giving his midfield first use, the Tigers matched it with Chelsea’s engine room.

Ryan Jacobs takes a kick for Seaford. Picture: Facebook

Ryan Jacobs was brilliant as Seaford fought back to snatch the lead in the dying stages, with Kelly’s goal from the boundary igniting the Tiger army.

“It was a sensational goal,” Bleeker said.

Bleeker said he was proud of the way his side handled the frenetic final minutes as Chelsea hit the front with a goal by Jack Wallace.

Kelly’s go-ahead-goal goal followed.

“Chelsea kicked a goal really late, with two minutes left,’’ he said.

“And in that type of game last year I reckon we would have had another kicked against us and we probably lose by 12 points. This time around we had the right processes in place, we were able to go back to the centre, get the clearance, get it into our forward fifty, get a repeat and then get a goal. I think that shows the maturity of the boys, and that’s in the span of two weeks.”

Bleeker added: “Our worst and our best, the gap is smaller and smaller.”

Bleeker said smooth-moving Jacobs had the skills and poise to go far.

“He’s still probably not all that well known, he’s becoming well known, because he’s going to be an absolute star I think,” he said.

“Sam Mackinder, the same.

“Bailey McIndoe is only 19 or 20, he’s getting better and better. One of the unsung heroes was Angus Giddings-Constable.”

The strong and athletic Giddings-Constable kept Chelsea spearhead Jesse Davies goalless.

Devon Meadows players and officials line up on Anzac Day. PIcture: Facebook

In other games, ex-AFL Demon and Hawk James Frawley kicked three goals in Devon Meadows’ win over Tyabb, 11.17 (83) to 7.4 (46) on Anzac Day. Panthers co-captains Nick Battle and Joel Hillis were also among the best, while Alex Canal and Lucas Thompson slotted two goals apiece.

Crib Point got away from Rye late to record a 15.6 (96) to 10.12 (72) win, with the Magpies finding inspiration from Will Stewart, Liam Tyrrell and Miles Shepherd.

Ex-Port Adelaide forward Brett Eddy slotted four goals as Pearcedale overcame Somerville 11.10 (76) to 10.14 (74). Dales ruckman Huw Jones also had a big say in the win, along with Kian Benwell, Mitchell Davis and Ben Duncan.

Former St Kilda teammates Nathan Burke and Troy Schwarze coached against each other for the first time on Saturday — and it was Schwarze who took bragging rights. Schwarze’s Bonbeach took the whip to Burke’s Karingal, winning by 115 points, 24.11 (155) to 6.4 (40). Bentleigh recruit Dimitri Fasoulis slotted eight goals for Bonbeach to win the Anzac Medal, while Tom McKinley, Ben McLean, Jet Peckett and Brayden Chapple also did well.

Frankston Bombers kicked more points than goals but still cruised home over Hastings, 16.22 (118) to 7.10 (52). Khan Haretuku and Tyson Barry both kicked four goals for the Bombers, who counted Harry Prior as their best player.