Seymour has sent a message to the rest of the Goulburn Valley League that it’s the real deal in 2023 after a statement win over Euroa on Saturday.
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The Lions were stellar against the Magpies at Kings Park, Seymour, leading at every change before running out comfortable six-goal victors 18.8 (116) to 12.8 (80).
Seymour is 3-0 to start the year, with the Lions winning seven of their past eight matches including the end of the 2022 home and away season.
Young Lions forward Riley Mason booted six goals against the Pies and said other sides should have something to fear in Seymour.
“I think in the off-season we worked really hard on our ball movement. You can tell, we move the ball so quickly and we are really skilful,” Mason said.
“We aren’t the most talented team on paper, but when we come out to play, we are so skilful and on a good day like this we just carve teams up.
“Last year we were a bit undone by injury and this year everyone is raring to go, so the comp should be a bit scared of Seymour.
“We are just going to put our heads down and keep working hard and hopefully get to September.”
Mason was one of the standouts for Seymour with his six-pack of goals, while Ben Rigoni (36 disposals) and Nathan Beattie (28 disposals) were impressive.
“I felt pretty good, I hurt my ankle pretty early on, so it was nice to get on the end of a few,” Mason said.
“Again, it started from the midfield and all the boys’ hard work, I was just the lucky one who got on the end of it. Credit it to them.”
Facing off in their traditional Anzac Round clash, Seymour and Euroa squared off with the sun streaming down and conditions perfect for football.
The match got off to a blazing start, with high-quality football on display from the get-go.
Seymour led by five points at the end of the first quarter, but the Lions began to really showcase their class in the second term.
A trio of early goals blew the margin out to 24 points and, while Euroa at one point cut its deficit to 12, Mason’s third of the opening half had the Lions in front by 22 heading into the sheds.
It looked like the half-time break served Euroa well after Nathan Stewart goaled for Euroa 15 seconds into the third term, but the Magpies’ momentum did not last long.
Mason kicked his fourth and Beattie kicked truly as the margin grew again, with the Lions seemingly unable to do no wrong.
Beattie’s second of the afternoon and a Tom O’Sullivan goal then had the gap balloon out to 41 at three-quarter time.
Euroa might have outscored the Lions in the final term, but Mason’s sixth and final goal late in the game helped cap a superb result for Seymour.
After the game, Seymour was presented with the Anzac Cup, donated by the Seymour RSL Sub-Branch.
“I thought it was a really good game by the boys. The hard work started in the middle, we just battled all day,” Mason said.
“Credit to them (Euroa), they put up a good performance. But in the end, we were just too strong.
“The mids worked hard and forwards were able to kick goals off the hard work in the midfield.
“It (the win) is huge for us. Last year we were a bit underdone with injuries and stuff like that, I think this year we are raring to go and there is nothing better than getting a win at home, especially against Euroa.
“A big crowd here today turned out to watch us and to get the victory and get the cup back here means heaps.”
Jack Murphy was also good for the Lions, kicking three goals to go along with his 16 possessions.
For Euroa, Will Hayes attracted plenty of the ball once again, collecting 35 disposals ― his third game in a row of 30-plus possessions.
Tristan Davies, Jett Trotter and Stewart all kicked two goals for the Pies.
Ball use was key for the Lions, recording 33 more effective kicks, while Euroa had 15 more total turnovers and 10 more fumbles. Seymour also outmarked the Magpies 99 to 74.
The undefeated Lions will put their winning streak on the line in round four when they travel to take on fellow unbeaten side Mooroopna, while Euroa will host Shepparton United.
The game
Seymour: 4.2, 10.3, 15.5, 18.8 (116)
Euroa: 3.3, 6.6, 8.6, 12.8 (80)
Goals
Seymour: Riley Mason 6, Jack Murphy 3, Nathan Beattie, Lachlan Waite 2, Joshua Alford, Thomas Davey, Tom O'Sullivan, Jack O’Sullivan, Ben Rigoni
Euroa: Tristan Davies, Nathan Stewart, Jett Trotter 2, Adam Giobbi, Jacob Gleeson, Zac Gleeson, JD Hayes, Ryan Hill, Andrew Smith
Best
Seymour: Riley Mason, Nathan Beattie, Ben Rigoni, Jack Murphy, Clayton Salmon
Euroa: Andrew Smith, D. Wilson, Will Hayes, Tristan Davies, Zac Gleeson