MPFNL Division 2: Tyrone Vickery available for Edi-Asp ahead of Chelsea clash

‘They taught us a bit of a lesson’: Edi-Asp coach Kris Pendlebury says his men are itching to have another crack at Chelsea in this weekend’s MPFNL Division 2 blockbuster clash.

Edi-Asp coach Kris Pendlebury has the Eagles sitting on top in MPFNL Division 2. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Tyrone Vickery is expected to return to Edithvale-Aspendale’s line-up for its blockbuster Mornington Peninsula league clash with long-time rivals Chelsea on Saturday.

The former AFL-Tiger and Hawk was rested last week but has been in splendid form, with 18 goals in seven matches for the Eagles this season.

Edi-Asp is on an 11-game winning streak, with its only loss being to Chelsea in the opening round of the season.

Fast forward three months and the Eagles and Seagulls meet again — but this time top spot is up for grabs.

Edi-Asp (11-1) sits atop the Division 2 ladder, with Chelsea (10-2) in third spot.

Tyrone Vickery with the ball for Edi-Asp.

Eagles young gun Max Walker. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

Edi-Asp playing-coach Kris Pendlebury said his men were fired-up to atone for that round one defeat.

“Good Friday was a big game and they (Chelsea) taught us a bit of a lesson,” Pendlebury said.

“We were a new group at the time searching for a new identity and I think we found that over the last two months but they were certainly the yard stick early in the season.

“They’re going to be a contender no doubt so we’re looking forward to see how our game stacks up against them again this weekend.”

Chelsea will host the Round 13 game on Saturday.

Dave Willett’s Seagulls have been the competition’s big improvers this season, with Matthew Dussin and Baxter Knight leading from the front.

Anthony Beale is Chelsea’s leading goal-kicker with 25, while Jack Wallace (21), Jack Francis (21) and Jesse Davies (20) have been lively up forward.

Flashback, 2007: Former Edi-Asp coach John Hynes goes up against Chelsea.

Aaron Martello enjoys a premiership shower as Edithvale-Aspendale celebrates the 1987 premiership.

The Chelsea-Edithvale rivalry goes way back.

The clubs have waged some fierce battles, including the 1990 Division 1 grand final.

Edi-Asp’s legendary player and coach Brett “Rastus’’ Wright once said: “I used to grow an extra leg for them. I know the supporters really get into it.”

It’s been almost three decades since the clubs have played off for top spot.

Chelsea club legend Col Caffyn said the rivalry was fierce and friendly.

“Friendly most of the time except on the day,” he chuckled.

“Nothing can compete with it, it’s always been a game that has attracted great interest.

“We’ve been serious competitors for many, many years.

“It’s a derby game for us and it’s by the far the biggest one. Bonbeach and Seaford are good games for us but Edithvale and Chelsea is the one that sparks the interest around the place and attracts the attention of people.’’