MPNFL: Chelsea ends Seaford’s seven-game winning streak in Division 2

Chelsea coach Dave Willett has bristled at talk of finals, but admits his 8-3 Gulls are building something good in MPNFL Division 2.

Chelsea coach Dave Willett, with his playing assistant coach Shaun Foster on the left. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Chelsea climbed to second spot after ending Seaford’s seven-game winning streak in MPNFL Division 2 on Saturday.

The Seagulls led throughout to win by 41 points, 10.19 (79) to 5.8 (38), at Miles Reserve, with playing assistant coach Shaun Foster capping a best-on-ground performance with two goals.

Mitchell Viney, Nicholas Stamatis and Jacob Spasevski were also crucial as Chelsea improved its record to 8-3.

The Gulls also were inspired by David Barton, Todd Gardiner and Lexian Xiberras.

Seaford’s best included Hugh Park, Macklin Raine, Luke Kranzbuhler and Justin Laughlin.

Get in: Shaun Foster celebrates a goal on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Chelsea coach Dave Willett said Foster’s influence around the ground was crucial, while his input as an assistant coach continues to play a vital role in the Seagulls’ rise.

“He’s my playing assistant coach and he just looks at footy a different way, which I like,” Willett said.

“He keeps me honest and keeps me on my toes. He’ll be a great coach one day.”

Willett said his players were “working well with each other at the moment” but bristled at talk of finals for his side.

“We’re not talking finals, geez, what is it…there are still bloody eight rounds to go before finals and that middle group in that comp, hell, that’s close,” he said.

“If you don’t turn up you get beaten.”

Chelsea’s Jesse Davies gets away a handball. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Chelsea’s Brayden Chapple picks up the ball. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Nicholas Stamatis on the move for Chelsea. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mitchell Viney kicks a goal for Chelsea. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Only a game separates second and sixth on the ladder, with Karingal (seventh), Mornington (eighth) and Rye (ninth) also a chance to play finals.

The rivalry between Chelsea and Seaford was legendary back in the good old days and Willett said it was rekindled on Saturday.

“It was funny, during the week you speak to the old blokes at the footy club and I didn’t realise the Chelsea-Seaford rivalry was so big back in the day,’’ he said.

“There was a lot of ex players there and they just loved it.’’

Willett said it was a tight tussle all game and “the ball went our way in the end’’.

Chelsea has the chance to make a big statement this Saturday when it hosts unbeaten Langwarrin.