MPNFL 2021: Mornington dispatches Seaford by six goals in Division 2

The Tigers’ first game back at RF Miles Reserve in four years didn’t go to plan as a clinical Mornington swept to victory in MPNFL Division 2.

First ruck contest for the game at RF Miles Reserve on Saturday. Pic: Chris Thomas

Seaford playing-coach Zac Vansittart said he felt helpless as his side lost to Mornington by 36 points at RF Miles Reserve on Saturday.

A big crowd packed into the brand new pavilion to watch the Tigers’ first game back at their refurbished home ground in four years.

Vansittart, though, was seeing stars after being knocked out as he laid a tackle late in the opening quarter.

He was helped to the Seaford bench where he sat dazed as assistant coach Jamie Cassidy assumed control and addressed the Tigers at the quarter-time huddle.

At the time Seaford led by 15 points.

The new pavilion at RF Miles Reserve. Pic: Chris Thomas

But Mornington responded with seven unanswered goals in the second quarter to take control.

“I felt pretty helpless yesterday,” Vansittart said.

“I wasn’t able to play and I thought I’m not even in the right state of mind to be talking to the group as well so I had to sit in the shadows for the entire game which was extremely frustrating.

“I found at times I tried to chat to players and got halfway through and was sort of losing track of what I was talking about, so I thought it was best to sit back and let Jamie take over.”

Jamie Cassidy at the huddle.

Seaford playing-coach Zac Vansittart recovers on the bench at quarter-time.

Seaford suffered another injury blow in the second quarter when forward Matt Ravenall, who had started brightly, was stretchered off with a knee injury.

It’s thought to be medial ligament damage.

Mornington was unstoppable, with gun midfielder Adrian Speedy capping a best-on-ground display with four goals and 26 disposals.

Kalen Bird and Corey Ash also dominated in the middle, while Jimmy Cameron slotted four goals.

A Seaford player gets the handball away despite tackling pressure from his Mornington opponent. Pic: Chris Thomas

Mornington spearhead Jackson Calder kicked three goals but was often seen pushing up the ground. He played well.

Bulldogs defenders Nath Heath and Jake Smart were among their side’s best players.

“Mornington were very clinical,” Vansittart said.

“They took every opportunity they had. I mean, they outplayed us, they deserved to win.”

Mornington coach Simon Goosey said his side played well in the opening quarter against the wind, even though it trailed.

“A lot of people said, ‘what did you do at quarter time?’,” he said,

“It was like two games, one with the breeze, one against the breeze and I thought we defended well.”

Adrian Speedy boots Mornington into attack.

Seaford players take to the ground

Seaford captain Rourke Fischer played his first game in two months back from an ankle injury and slotted the opening goal of the game, celebrating by grabbing his Tigers jumper in a show of loyalty.

Tigers star Tim Broomhead kicked a brilliant goal in the first term but looked to suffer a corky moments before the quarter time siren.

He played the game out.

Vansittart said Seaford was rapt to be back in the Tiger Den at RF Miles Reserve.

“It was unreal to have so many people there,” he said.

“I met a lot of people I haven’t seen since I’ve been at the club.

“A lot of local people from the community get there when it’s at RF Miles.

“It was good we such a big turnout and although we didn’t get the job done in the seniors I think it was a pretty successful day, I think we were able to turn over a bit of coin considering we haven’t been able to host home games.”