Thankfully for Seymour, with the start of Goulburn Valley League finals just days away, it knows who to turn to.
Midfielder Jack O’Sullivan has played in a Seymour side that, before Saturday, had dominated almost all who came before it in the home and away season.
He stood up just as brightly in the face of adversity, though, as the Lions (16-2) slipped to their second defeat of 2023 against an eliminated Shepparton (8-10).
One must wonder how much bigger a hit Seymour’s midfield would have taken had O’Sullivan not been around.
Having racked up more than 25 touches in four of his previous five games heading into the weekend, O’Sullivan stood up like few around him could, standing above the rest in several vital aspects and ensuring the Lions’ forwards could reliably count on his delivery.
Jack O’Sullivan’s game-high stats, Round 18 v Shepparton
Disposals: 35
Inside-50: 6
Clearances (centre): 13 (6)
Score involvements: 10
Goal assists: 3
Having been selected to represent the GV during interleague action earlier this season, O’Sullivan has been on a tear all year.
He has primed himself to consistently get first use of the ball and help Seymour build towards dreams of a lengthy September run.
Team momentum is everything at this time of year, though, and the Lions have had a 10-game winning streak snapped at the last hurdle.
While Echuca and other potential finals opponents must work diligently to minimise O’Sullivan’s influence, his counterparts will need to lift against the minor premier, which averages 60 extra disposals and 20 extra inside-50s a game against its opposition this season.
O’Sullivan continues to sit in the GVL’s top 10 for average effective touches (18.8), hard ball gets (4.5) and boundary line clearances a game (2.0), remaining a star in victory and defeat.
There is little doubt quelling him will be at the top of any fellow contender’s to-do list this September.
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