Footballs swapped for sandbags

Pre-season training looked a little different for the Seymour Lions on Monday, with the club’s footballers spotted running around town following last week’s heavy rainfall and flooding.


Thankfully, the town did not see a repeat of the October 2022 floods, with businesses and homes in evacuation zones sandbagged and well-prepared.


Following the Goulburn River returning to below flood level, people across town were left with sandbags and no means to dispose of them.


That’s where the Seymour Lions stepped in, with pre-season training turning into a town-wide clean-up job, picking up and disposing of sandbags at the SES centre.


“We’re thinking of everyone that was impacted by flooding and are incredibly thankful the river didn’t rise to the predicted level,” Seymour Lions President Gerard O’Sullivan said.


“Once the waters receded, we identified as a club that a lot of people had sandbags they didn’t know what to do with.


“Rather than a normal pre-season training session we thought it would be a great idea to get the footballers out in the community and help people dispose of their sandbags.”


The Lions organised tipper trucks for Monday night and got to work.


“A few of the great tradies associated with the club took the time to get their heavy vehicles into action and watched the footballers get to work,” Mr O’Sullivan said.


“Not only does the town look a lot tidier following the clean up we put some extra miles in the legs of our players.


“The players split into two groups and ran roughly eight kilometres each, picking up bags from businesses and homes across town.


“Everyone is looking forward to a new season of football and netball and we’d like to thank the Seymour community for their ongoing support.”

 

Seymour FNC News

By Mitch Itter June 22, 2026
The Seymour Football Netball Club (SFNC) will celebrate a significant milestone this weekend, with Senior Co-Coach and Captain Jack Murphy set to play his 150th senior game for the Lions. Since making his senior debut in 2015, Murphy has established himself as one of the premier players in the Goulburn Valley League. Over the past decade, Murphy has built an outstanding football resume. A dual Senior Best & Fairest winner, GVL Interleague representative, League MVP and former Coburg VFL player, he has consistently performed at an elite level while representing the Lions with distinction. While his individual achievements are impressive, Murphy's influence extends far beyond the football field. Renowned for his professionalism, work ethic and commitment to the club, he has played a significant role in driving standards and helping develop the next generation of Lions players. Now serving as Senior Co-Coach, Murphy continues to lead from the front each week and remains one of the competition's most influential midfielders. SFNC President Peter Elliott said Murphy's contribution to the Lions over the past 11 seasons has been remarkable. “Murph has been an outstanding servant of our football club and thoroughly deserves this recognition,” Mr Elliott said. “His achievements on the field are exceptional, but it's the way he goes about it that sets him apart. “He's one of the hardest workers at the club, a fantastic leader and someone who is so passionate about the success of the Seymour Lions. “He's represented our club with distinction throughout his career and continues to set the standard both as a player and coach. “To reach 150 senior games is a fantastic achievement and one that both Murph and everyone associated with the club should be proud of. “We're incredibly fortunate to have had Murph at Seymour for so long and look forward to seeing him continue to make an impact in the years ahead.”
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