Close one: Seymour’s Riley Mason attempts to mark.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
It is a part of Australian culture to back the underdog but sometimes you just have to appreciate a team in full flight.
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Those hoping for a close match between Seymour and Benalla at Seymour in the Goulburn Valley League on Saturday were given hope in the first quarter as the Saints looked up for the fight.
But once Michael Hartley — who made headlines with his superb nine goals — and his teammates got on top, the Lions ran out 20.11 (131) to 11.9 (75) winners.
Stand-in Seymour playing coach Jack Murphy was pleased with the overall performance against a plucky Saints outfit.
“We were happy to get back on our big oval against Benalla,” Murphy said.
“It was a good weekend on the track and, in terms of the game, I thought it was a little bit up and down, there were periods of momentum for us and periods of momentum for them.
“I think we were able to capitalise on our momentum a little bit better but plenty to work on across the board both offensively and defensively.
“Credit to Benalla, their first quarter was outstanding around the stoppages.
“They really blew us apart and gave our midfield a bit of a clip so the message at quarter-time was for the midfield to crack into gear and get back on top of the game.
“I think around the ground we were moving the ball okay and doing everything else well, but it was at the coalface that they were able to move the ball out of stoppages and put us on the back foot a little bit.
“They were the ones who started hot and we had to fight our way back into it.”
Fine nine: Michael Hartley was unstoppable in front of goal.
Photo by
Wayne Herring
The day belonged to Hartley though, who enjoyed one of his finest day’s out in Seymour colours.
The ex-AFL talent was dialled in and run amok on the Saints’ defensive contingent.
While Hartley will be happy with his best-on performance, he’ll be wishing his coach had handed him the ball to reach double digits.
“I stole his last one there, I should have chipped it over the top to him but I’ll cop that on the chin and shout him a beer tonight that’s for sure,” Murphy said.
“He’s definitely a big boy down there (in the forwards), I think he complements Lachlan Waite, Nathan Fowler and a few of the smaller blokes who have a bit of speed.
“I don’t think there were too many players that stood out ... it was a consistent effort across the board.
“I think we’re building nicely and I don’t think we’ve had too many boys stand out this year it’s just been an even contribution across the board which is good.
“I reckon if you ask every bloke in the rooms if they’re having their best season everyone would say no but they’re all playing at about 85 percent and across the board that’s the depth we have.”
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