SFNL: Dream start to 2025 for Mordialloc after snagging first senior win in 630 days

Mordialloc is off to a dream start in 2025 after the Bloods broke through for their first senior win in 630 days on Saturday. Here’s the inside story.

Mordialloc’s Division 2 campaign is off to a dream start after the Bloods broke through for their first senior win in 630 days on Saturday.

It was a joyous day across the board for the Southern Football Netball League club, with the open and reserve grades also victorious.

“Pretty good day for the whole club … massive for our club really,” reflected senior coach Josh Jewell.

Prior to last weekend’s 11-point victory over Chelsea Heights the Bloods hadn’t won a game since round 13, 2023 when they coincidentally downed the same opponent.

While Mordialloc finished 10th and were winless in Division 1 last season, both clubs were relegated to make way for newcomers Narre Warren.

Mordialloc's senior coach Josh Jewell pumped in the rooms after SFNL Div 2 win. Picture: Supplied.

“It just proves, we were pretty happy with our pre-season and it was a bit of reward for effort,” Jewell said after the 9.12 (66) to 8.7 (55) triumph.

“There was definitely improvement, you can talk about it all you want but until you go out and play games you’re still not sure if it’s there.

“To get that win gives the boys a bit of belief and to get the three wins proves that we have added depth. There’s a bit of belief there and the boys are rapt with it.”

Mordialloc's senior playing assistant Josh Dickerson and coach Josh Jewell after the SFNL Div 2 win. Picture: Supplied.

Chelsea Heights flew out of the blocks to kick the first four goals, before the Bloods pegged them back to take a 10-point lead into the first break.

From there it was an even affair, and Mordialloc still trailed by four at three-quarter-time before finishing with a flurry.

“(Chelsea Heights) just settled a bit quicker than us, it was a brutal game of footy, hot contest, pressure was up,” Jewell said.

“We showed our fitness is at a level that we were hoping it would be at and we were able to grind them away for four quarters.

“We thought we controlled the game for a lot of it, then they’d kick a couple to get back on top and we were able to grind back again, it was just an up and down game.

“Both sides cracked in, we walk away with the win but Chelsea Heights would still be happy with the way they went. It was a brutal game, sore bodies everywhere.”

Will Avery in action for Mordialloc. Picture: Supplied.

Will Avery led the way for the Bloods and was able to nullify the Demons’ Luke Tapscott while booting four majors himself.

“He was our best by quite a bit,” Jewell said of Avery.

“Josh Dickerson was super in the ruck all day and when he went forward he was able to kick a couple.

“Our new recruits as well, Liam Dineen was good down back, it was a pretty even contest to be honest, we had different players step up in different moments.

“It’s a big day for the club, good to see some smiles on the supporters’ faces.”

Mordialloc will be made to wait until Good Friday for its next clash and chance to make it two wins on the bounce.

The Bloods will host Highett at Ben Kavanagh Reserve.