Welcome boost: Micheal Hartley kicked four crucial goals in Seymour’s victory over Shepparton United.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Seymour made its long-awaited return to the Goulburn Valley League winners’ list in emphatic fashion on Saturday afternoon, dismantling Shepparton United 21.12 (138) to 5.11 (41) at Kings Park.
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Snapping a five-game losing streak, the Lions were dominant from start to finish in a performance that mirrored their form from last season.
Returning to the line-up after VFL duties last week, Michael Hartley was the focal point up forward, kicking four goals, while midfielder Jack Murphy continued his consistent campaign with a best-on-ground performance.
For Shepparton United, the loss comes as something of a reality check, after it claimed a stunning victory over Benalla last week following a string of competitive performances.
Needing to make a strong statement early, Seymour began the game in fine touch, getting on top around the contest to pile on four goals to one in the first term.
Happy days: The Seymour players celebrate a return to the winners’ list. Photo: Wayne Herring
With a solid 20-point buffer, the Lions went in for the kill in the second term, playing with a confidence not seen since their round one win against Benalla and putting their dominance on the scoreboard with another six majors.
Holding a sizeable 48-point lead at the main change, Seymour continued its run in the third quarter, adding six more goals to the tally, with an exciting mix of youth and experience thrilling the Kings Park crowd.
Lining up: Seymour’s Micheal Hartley as a shot on goal. Photo: Wayne Herring
After kicking just two goals in the first half, the game opened for the Demons, who capitalised with three third-quarter goals to take something into the final term.
But keen to rebuild its percentage after a rocky past month, Seymour saved its best for last, adding five unanswered goals to have the margin at 97 points by the final siren.
Young guns Seamus Feery, Nathan Beattie and Joshua Alford joined Murphy and Hartley in Seymour’s best.
Addressing the troops: Seymour coach Ben Davey talks to the team. Photo: Wayne Herring.
Kyle Clarke continued his excellent season to be named the Demons’ best, while Edward Adams, Joel Serra, Mitchell Trevaskis and Charlie Di Stefano all showed a lot in the defeat.
The win sees Seymour jump into eighth spot on the ladder, with an intriguing clash with Shepparton awaiting after the interleague bye.
Hot contest: Seymour’s Seamus Feery attempts to spoil. Photo: Wayne Herring
Shepparton United will regroup during the week off before it hosts Kyabram in round eight.
In the reserves it was a similar story, as Seymour dominated from start to finish in a 15.11 (101) to 4.2 (26) rout of Shepparton United.
Kicking off proceedings with five unanswered goals in the first term, the Lions didn’t look back, securing a crucial victory in the context of their season.
Outstretched: Seymour’s Nick Davey gives a big effort. Photo: Wayne Herring
Max McLean, Alick Nai, Gus Garner, Max Jones and Oliver Lubeck were the standouts for the home side, which jumped into seventh on the reserves ladder.
The under-18s clash saw Seymour fall 11.5 (71) to 7.6 (48) to an undefeated Shepparton United outfit.
It was a tight contest throughout, but the gallant Lions simply couldn’t match the class of the Demons, who showed themselves to be every bit a premiership contender.
Cooper Holdsworth-Rose, Alexander Elliott and Oliver Munro were outstanding in the losing cause for the home side.
