MPNFL: Chelsea signs North Warrnambool’s Sam McKinnon

Chelsea has picked up a Hampden league left-footer as coach Dave Willett gives his verdict on the Seagulls’ list and their chances in MPNFL Division 2.

Sam McKinnon has joined Chelsea. Picture: Facebook

Chelsea has gained some fine players over the off season and lost some, too.

A little over a week out from the start of the 2022 season, Seagulls coach Dave Willett says he’s “really happy” where the list is at.

Chelsea recently added North Warrnambool midfielder-forward Sam McKinnon.

A former vice-captain of the Hampden footy league’s under 19 interleague team, McKinnon played 18 games for North Warrnambool’s seniors in 2019.

“He’s a mid-forward, a good type, a left footer, he looks alright,” Willett said.

“We got lucky there, I guess.

“(Former Chelsea player) Sam Radford told him to come to us. He moved here for work.

“Sammy gave his number to the footy club and the footy club rang him.”

Chelsea’s key “outs” are full forward Curtis Bywater to Sorrento, Jack Francis to Noble Park and Zane Carter to Eaglehawk in the Bendigo league.

But the arrival of McKinnon, Bonbeach pair Brayden Chapple and Nick Stamatis, former Doveton star Mitch Viney and the return of Lewis Krieger and Mathew Baxter gives the Seagulls a new dynamic going into season 2022.

Chelsea recruit Mitch Viney. Picture: Facebook

Willett described Viney, a former Frankston Dolphins and Doveton player, as a “star”.

“He’s a tough inside mid, he’s 28, he’s super fit,” he said.

“The last two years he got into doing these massive marathon runs. You should see the size of him, he’s ripped, he’s in good nick.

“So he’ll be interesting.

“Chapple and Stamatis have played senior footy so they know what it’s about.”

Willet said Krieger’s return was a positive and likewise Baxter — “he was a bloody good forward when he left”.

Chelsea finished seventh last season and Willett is tipping the Gulls to improve.

“There’s only one way up. If you head south it’s trouble I reckon,” he said.

“We’ll be okay, we’ll be competitive.

“You’ve probably got Langy and then you can throw a blanket over the rest.

“On the day you’ve got to be ready to rock n roll otherwise you’ll get found out.”

Chelsea champion Todd Gardiner will captain again, while Robbie “The Wiz” Lancaster will coach the reserves.

“He’s going to have a good group of guys to work with,” Willett said.

Chelsea visits Crib Point on Saturday, April 2.

CHELSEA

Coach: David Willett

Captain: Todd Gardiner

In: Benjamin Fitzgerald (Tyabb), Sam McKinnon (North Warrnambool), Mitchell Brown (North Heidelberg), Brayden Chapple (Bonbeach), Mathew Baxter (Toora), Nick Stamatis (Bonbeach), Blake Mealey (Crib Point), Lewis Krieger (Ferntree Gully Eagles), Mitchell Viney (Dingley), Mitch Best (Seaford), Rhys Graham (Carrum Patterson Lakes (SFL), Luke O’Dempsey (Seaford).

Out: Rory Gregg (Carrum Patterson Lakes), Jack Francis (Noble Park), Luke Shannon (Moulamein), Mason Bailey (Moulamein), Curtis Bywater (Sorrento), Brody Leitch (Lang Lang), Luke Clark (Lang Lang), Reid Young (Bonbeach), Joshua Whelan (Hampton Rovers), Thomas Stephens (Hampton Rovers), Zane Carter (Eaglehawk (Bendigo), Daniel Knowles (Parkdale Vultures (VAFA).