HOME OF THE MIGHTY SEYMOUR LIONS

The Seymour Football Netball Club held its Presentation Night at Kings Park on Thursday September 26, celebrating the achievements of players and volunteers throughout the 2024 Goulburn Valley League (GVL) season. Club President Gerard O’Sullivan congratulated players for their on-field achievements during the season. “We had all our senior netball teams and two of our football teams playing finals which is a fantastic achievement,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “Our B Reserve girls were undoubtedly the stars of the show, going through the season undefeated and claiming the premiership. “There are some really talented young players coming up through both the football and netball and we can’t wait to watch their progress over the coming years. Mr O’Sullivan also thanked volunteers who make every training session, matchday and season possible. “While we are incredibly proud of our players, in many ways presentation night is also about the amazing volunteers who keep our club running,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “We were also able to welcome a new qualified Life Member as a result of Ellie Fuhrmeister reaching 200 A Grade games during the season which is a fantastic achievement.” The Senior Best & Fairest Award has been renamed the Gary Brown Medal, recognising Mr Brown’s decades of service to the SFNC as Club Secretary with Nathan Beattie the inaugural winner. “It was fantastic to be able to award the Gary Brown Medal for the very first time with Nathan Beattie a deserving winner after an incredible season,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “Gary dedicated a huge amount of his life to our club and it’s only fitting to have the Senior Best and Fairest now bear his name. “Once again, congratulations to all our award winner and we look forward to coming back even better in 2025.” A full list of award winners can be found below. Leading Goal Kickers U18s – Heath Lane (33 Goals) Reserves – Julian Morgan (56 Goals) Seniors – Riley Mason (72 Goals) Club Awards Netball Appreciation Award – Kelly Smith Lenny Brown Best Netball Club Person Award – Gen Pearce Lions Pride – Paul Lewis Best Club Person – Clint Rose Eamonn O’Connor Award – Nathan Fowler Life Membership Ellie Fuhrmeister (200 A Grade games)

GRAND FINAL - O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 43 v Rochester 30 The Lions were a few goals down early before Toni Bootland stepped on and took control in defence, taking crucial intercepts that allowed the Lions to go into the break at quarter time ahead. All the girls gave 100 per cent throughout the game with strong leads and accurate passing into Shona Gesler and Mia Allen in the ring. Toni Bootland, Sarah Waite and Sophie Munro worked so hard in the defensive end, constantly putting pressure on the Rochester goalers. Grace Barry, Casey Drummond and Layne Lewis carried the ball down the court with efficiency, controlling the mid court. The Lions had the game under control at three quarter time and enjoyed the last quarter, knowing they’d finish the day with medals around their necks. Congratulations to Courtney Aldous on coaching an incredible undefeated season and well done to Toni Bootland who was adjudged Best on Court by the umpires. What a team and what a season!

PRELIMINARY FINAL - O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 5.9.39 v Rochester 9.10.64 The Lions headed up the GV to take on Rochester for a spot in the Grand Final and were greeted by typically windy conditions at Deakin Reserve. The beginning of the first quarter saw the Lions dominate play, however they were unable to apply scoreboard pressure before Rochester finished the term strongly. In the second term the boys were able to get back into the game with Dale Short kicking a pearler of a goal from long range. The third quarter broke the Lions with Rochester kicking three goals to one, allowing them to head into the last with a lead that proved too much for the boys to claw back. Tayte Lewis showed his usual determination around the contest and Jonty Mann played his best game of the season. The backline found themselves under heavy pressure throughout the game with Clayton Salmon and Jack Glen tireless all day. Jaxon Lantzke stood tall once again around the contest, but it wasn’t enough to get the Lions over the line. Another fantastic season from the Reserves with a huge thanks due to Dundo and Pete Elliott for their work throughout the season, alongside Team Manager Michael Salmon and a great group of volunteers. Best: T Lewis, C Salmon, J Mann, J Glen, J Lantzke Goals: J Morgan 2, D Short 2, F Rutherford 1

The Seymour Football Netball Club (SFNC) has announced its A Grade netball coach and Senior Coaches for the 2025 GVL season. Current Senior Coach Ben Davey has recommitted to the role for another season and will be joined by Jack Murphy who has made the step up from Senior Assistant Coach to Senior Co-Coach. The duo will continue to draw on their extensive football experience—Davey with his senior GVL premierships and time in North Melbourne’s coaching ranks, and Murphy with his considerable career in the VFL. SFNC President Gerard O’Sullivan said the club was thrilled to reappoint Davey and Murphy for the 2025 season. “Ben has been huge for our club since returning as Senior Coach and we’re so lucky to have a coach of his knowledge, experience and passion at The Den,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “Murph has put in an incredible amount of work as a Senior Assistant Coach over the past couple of seasons and his promotion reflects his dedication to the Lions.  “We have full confidence in both Ben and Murph and look forward to a successful 2025 with them in charge of a fantastic group of young footballers.” Following Ellie Fuhrmeister’s recent resignation, the SFNC has appointed A Grade star Casey Adamson as the new A Grade coach. “Casey has been a superstar player for a long time at the Lions and is eager to take on the coaching role,” Mr O’Sullivan said. “She’s played professional netball and knows exactly what it takes to taste success in September. “To be able to appoint such a quality netballer as A Grade coach from within our ranks is fantastic for the club.”

The Seymour Lions’ Head Netball Coach Ellie Fuhrmeister has announced that she will step down from the role following the conclusion of the 2024 GVL season. Fuhrmeister took the reins in 2022, overseeing an unprecedented clean sweep of all three senior netball premierships that year. Over her three seasons as Head Coach, all Seymour senior teams have gone deep in September with the club firmly established as one of the powerhouses of the netball competition. While she took over as Head Coach in 2022, Fuhrmeister has experienced coaching every grade at the club from Under 15s to A Grade, played in three A Grade Premierships, including one as captain, and represented the GVL in Interleague netball over three seasons. Fuhrmeister’s achievements as both a coach and a player have her sitting comfortably among the Lions’ finest netballers. While she’s stepping back from coaching, Fuhrmeister remains committed to the club as a player for the 2025 season, hoping the Lions can once again feature at the business end of the season across all grades. SFNC Statement: Ellie has been a crucial part of our club as a player and coach over a long period of time and we’re incredibly grateful for the work she’s put in. Our club’s netball program has gone from strength to strength under Ellie’s leadership and as a coach she leaves a lasting legacy on our club. Since Ellie’s A Grade debut in 2013 she’s been a crucial member of our club both on and off field and we’re proud to call her a Lion. The three senior netball premierships the Lions took home in 2022 stand alone as the greatest netball achievement in GVL history. Ellie is a Lion great through and through and we can’t wait to see her back on court in a playing role next season.”

SEMI FINAL - Janelle Puppa Real Estate UNDER 18s Seymour 10.10.70 v Shepparton 11.12.78 Best: T Wardley, D Davis, L Cavigan, C Powell, J Porter Goals: H Lane 3, O Munro 3, D Davis 2, R Kennedy 2 SEMI FINAL - O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 2.7.19 v Echuca 17.13.115 The Lions knew they were in for a tough game against the top of the table Echuca and they proved too strong from the outset, putting the Lions on the back foot after a five goal first quarter. While the boys improved their effort and attack on the footy in the second term, they were unable to hit the scoreboard themselves. Down back, Clayton Salmon and Jack Davey fought hard all day under enormous pressure, while Tayte Lewis and Max McLean didn’t back down all day. Alex Elliott was best on for the Lions, picking up plenty of the footy around the ground. The boys are fortunate to have a second chance and will play off next week for a spot in the Grand Final and a rematch against Echuca. Best: A Elliott, T Lewis, J Davey, C Salmon, M McLean Goals: R Graham 1, S Thomson 1

SEMI FINAL - O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 52 v Euroa 38 The scores were level at quarter time before the Lions came out strongly in the second term with an 18 goal quarter to put the game beyond Euroa’s reach thanks to contributions from all players. Grace Barry controlled the centre of the court applying pressure defensively and offensively. Mia Allen came on and impacted the scoreboard, shooting with accuracy and providing plenty of movement in the ring. Sophie Munro created crucial turnovers that ensured Euroa was never able to get back into the game. Mariah Baumann’s drives and work on the circle edge was crucial to the result. Paige Cooper, Taylah Mason and Sophie Munro have all been fantastic additions to the team from the Under 17s, playing fantastic supporting roles. The girls have now booked their place in the Grand Final in a fortnight’s time! Inari Sushi Award: Shona Gesler

Janelle Puppa Real Estate UNDER 18s Seymour 10.16.76 v Mooroopna 3.4.22 Best: C Holdsworth-Rose, D Davis, W Le Deux, H Lane, T Wardley Goals: O Munro 3, H Lane 2, J Brown 1, W Le Deux 1, J Porter 1 O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 9.7.61 v Euroa 6.10.46 The Lions stood up in their do or die clash against Euroa in very blustery conditions at Echuca. The boys came out of the blocks on fire kicking three first term goals, but this effort was replicated by Euroa in the second term to have the game in the balance. The third quarter was when the Lions stamped their authority on the game, kicking four goals and gaining back the lead at the final break. Euroa got within a kick in the last before the Lions were able to regain composure. The sealer was a magical moment, with Riley “Gurkie” Graham dribbling through a beauty and celebrating with passion. Tayte Lewis was unstoppable in the middle all day, driving the ball forward and doing plenty of defensive work, alongside Max McLean and Will Laird who were all hard at the contest all day. Jaxon Lantzke was huge in the ruck, with plenty of support coming from General Ollie Lubeck. Will Dundon racked up possessions across the defensive end of the ground, gaining crucial meterage with every disposal. The Lions will look to cause an upset next week and keep the momentum going. Best: T Lewis, W Dundon, J Lantzke, M McLean, W Laird Goals: R Graham 3, J Morgan 2, J Lantzke 1, M McLean 1, S McMaster 1, F Rutherford 1

QUALIFYING FINAL - O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 37 v Rochester 31 It was a tough start for the Lions who went into quarter time five goals down but after a switch up in attack they were able to get their noses in front by a goal at half time. Sophie Munro and Sarah Waite communicated and moved will within the ring to create the crucial turnovers the Lions needed. Mia Allen and Shona Gesler clocked the attacking end and found their feet under the ring. Grace Barry and Casey Drummond fed the ball in well all day with strong leads through the midcourt. Club Dinner Award: Mia Allen ELIMINATION FINAL - Seymour Hardware Group B GRADE Seymour 47 v Shepparton 54 The Lions got off to a strong start in a game that was goal for goal early on. Seymour presented with strong pressure from the start from defenders and the midcourt. Midcourt changes allowed the Lions to settle and take control leading into half time. Shepparton ramped up the pressure after the main break and were able to get in front. Seymour fought hard but unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough in the end. Well done to Kelly and the B Grade girls on another fantastic season. ELIMINATION FINAL -  Beer Auto Group Seymour A GRADE Seymour 34 v Echuca 41 The A Grade girls fought valiantly in their Elimination Final against Echuca but sadly their season has come to an end. The Bombers came out of the blocks firing, with the Lions facing a nine goal deficit at half time and looking all but out of the game. However, the girls fought back fantastically in the third quarter, reducing Echuca’s lead to just three goals at the final break. In the end the Bombers were able to hold the Lions at bay and finish the day victorious. Eleisha Saunders put in a best on court performance for the Lions, working tirelessly through the midcourt, providing pressure and run in both directions. Ruby Martin showed her versatility, switching to the attacking end in the back half of the game, playing a crucial role in the Lions third quarter come back. Sarah Szczykulski rounded out the best in a typically determined performance in defence. The girls have done our club proud yet again, consistently featuring at the business end of the year. Well done on a great season. Caffeine Bistro Award: Eleisha Saunders