1931 - THE NEW DECADE SENIOR TEAM WITHDRAWS AS RECESSION BITES

THE DEPRESSION YEARS

Under the guidance of new Junior Club President Bill Staff (1931-1932) and still enjoying the benefits of a Les Warren-led recovery, Chelsea City once again featured in the finals as the decade commenced. Finishing fourth, however, wasn’t good enough as the old enemy Mordialloc once again prevented the Chelsea side from advancing any further. The Juniors also performed well, finishing the season proper in third place but were also eliminated in the semi-finals.

With the Depression bearing down, pressures were building and after four rounds of the 1931 season the senior team was withdrawn from competition. This didn’t deter the junior team, however, as they continued to the end of the home and away matches undefeated. The only flaw on their copy book came in the final when they were defeated by Mordialloc. This was quickly rectified as Chelsea City took the option of a Challenge Grand Final and made short work of the Mordialloc challengers to become premiers.

Player-wise, 1932 was very productive as a young player by the name of ’Bonnie’ Johnstone took up residence in Chelsea and commenced his CFC connection by winning the junior’s Best and Fairest Award in his first season at the club. It would be the start of a wonderful career with the Seagulls.

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