SFNL: Chelsea Heights claimed its first Division 1 win of 2024 after a strong self review

Chelsea Heights claimed its first win of 2024 on Saturday after it came together to discuss the importance of standards, recognising hard work and pride in the jumper.

Chelsea Heights packed the rooms to sing the song. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Chelsea Heights coach Nathan Robinson called the Demons in for an “open and honest conversation” after their loss to Springvale Districts in round 6.

The Heights went down by 106 points to Districts and Robinson felt it was the first time the injury-ravaged Dees hadn’t shown effort.

On the Tuesday leading into their first win of 2024 over Mordialloc, Robinson and his men outlined what they need to do “to be a relevant Division 1 footy club”.

Chelsea Heights packed the rooms to sing the song. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“We played Dingley two weeks ago and as I left the ground I saw Kristen Feehan, who is arguably in their best three or four players, carrying a bin around the ground picking up rubbish,” Robinson said.

“I just sort of stood up about that because those little things are the difference between a great club and one that just doesn’t really care.

“I think giving respect to your football club and the volunteers that do work can pay dividends when it comes to game day because you respect the jumper you play in and the people who do the work unnoticed.

“It was about that and then just the basic stuff, our pressure, ability to win contested ball and the want and desire to win it when it is in dispute.”

Chelsea Heights’ Taylore Gittos. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Robinson said the Demons trained the house down after the transparent self-review and flew into the Bloodhounds on Saturday.

They “sent a statement around the ball” early on and ran away 17.11 (113) to 6.3 (39) winners.

According to the coach, the Demons would be boosted by the win as it proved their methods work.

“The first half of our draw was tough but we got an eye-opener of where need to get to if we want to compete, I think the next four or five weeks, as we repeat, we can certainly get a roll on,” he said.

“The biggest thing Saturday was that we’ve taken some confidence out of it, we didn’t do everything great, we have things to get better at, but hopefully they understand the plan does work.

“For the guys to see things to come to fruition, it was a big thing for our guys to get a bit of confidence.

“We probably could’ve won by more if it wasn’t for lapses but hopefully we can build on that and peg a few back.”

Shaun Chaseling kicked six goals while Luke Tapscott continued his sensational form with 33 disposals and two goals.

As for the injuries, after finishing three of the first fives games without a bench, the Demons are hopeful of getting the cavalry back in coming weeks.

“East Brighton I am expecting to be pretty much full strength,” Robinson said.