GVL Hall of Fame Inductee: Shane Schottner

2024 GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League Hall of Fame Inductee 

Shane Schottner

The Seymour Football Netball Club added great strength to the GVL when it transferred from the Waranga North East League in 1976. The club included many top performers who would play a role in premierships and country championship games.

This year we will induct a player who epitomises other Seymour players who have excelled in GVL football.

Shane Schottner was a local Seymour boy who idolised the Lions players when he joined the club as a junior. He would progress through the under 13s, under 15s and under 16s, loving the game and eventually would hold the record for the most senior games as long serving player.

After junior football he burst into the Seymour 3rds in 1994 under Morrison Medal winning coach John Solomon. Shane showed his ability and polled well in best player awards. In his second year 1995 he played so well early in the season that the club selectors promoted him to a senior player during the season. He had arrived as a senior Lion and soon showed why he had been selected.

In recognising his talent, the Lions played him in the full back position in his first year. He showed great promise and played the next two years at full back. Seymour was team building at that time but needed the skills of Shane to hold down major positions. After a few years of playing down back he was moved into the ruck position where he played most of his football.

The GVL selectors were so impressed with his ability that they asked him to represent the League in the Country Championship games. Shane loved representative football and made himself available whenever called upon. He wore the purple and gold colours with distinction In 8 games, including State championship teams in 2005 and 2008. He was also vice-captain of the GVL.

Shane was called upon to coach the Lions in 2003. Shane was playing great football and became the 4th player in the club’s history to win the Morrison Medal as the best player in the League in 2004. The Lions supporters were so proud of him.

In his first 160 games Shane had not played in a final’s series. However, all that was to change when he was involved in a golden era as Seymour won three GVL senior grand finals in 3 years 2005, 2006 and 2007 as well as being runners up in 2008.

Shane was a star who played an important part in that success.

Away from football he was a busy teacher, firstly at Seymour then at Assumption in Kilmore before moving on to St Kevin's College in Melbourne. This meant that he trained one night per week with Seymour players in Melbourne then attended training on Thursday evenings at Seymour. Shane loved the Seymour club so much that he was prepared to travel for eighteen of his twenty years with the Lions.

His wonderful career saw him play 319 games with the Seymour, club which makes him the games record holder. He played in 6 grand finals, 5 in the seniors and one in the thirds.

Shane was captain of the Seymour senior team for eleven years. He was honoured with life membership of Seymour and the GVL. Shane is so proud of being a one club player throughout his career. He is a well-respected person who was loved by the Seymour fans.

The GVL is delighted to induct Shane Schottner into the GVL Hall of Fame.

Seymour FNC News

Preliminary Final Netball Reports

September 15, 2025
O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 38 def Rochester 24 The first quarter started with great intensity as the momentum swung back and forth. The Lions had a terrific second quarter and changes helped the team push just in front at the main break. Confident shooting from Shona Gesler, Chloe Locke and Mia Allen added scoreboard pressure. Grace Barry was doing a thankless task at keeping her opponent limited. Well done girls on booking your spot in the Grand Final! Seymour Hardware Group B GRADE Seymour 43 def Euroa 42 The whole game both teams were evenly matched. The Lions went into the second half of the game five goals down. With a few changes late in the game the Lions were able to get the upper hand and win by a goal. Our pressure in defence was amazing. Everyone did a great job. See you in the Grand Final next week! Beer Auto Group Seymour A GRADE Seymour 34 def by Euroa 73 The match began with a thrilling exchange of goals, as both teams showcased their determination. Euroa quickly capitalised on the Lions' early misses, establishing an early lead. In response, the Lions implemented a catch-up strategy, making early substitutions to utilise their bench effectively and minimise the damage. Despite their efforts, Euroa demonstrated their status as the reigning Premiers of 2024. Sarah Szczykulski was a standout in defense, working tirelessly to thwart Euroa's advances, while Ally Black excelled in the midcourt, delivering precise passes to Ruby Martin. Martin showcased her shooting skills, converting opportunities with remarkable accuracy. Although the Lions faced a heavy loss, which was not the desired outcome for the conclusion of the 2025 season, there is optimism for the future. The development of the younger players within the squad offers hope that the Lions can emerge as strong contenders in the GVL moving forward.

Reserves Preliminary Final Football Report

September 14, 2025
O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 6.5.41 def Mansfield 4.4.28 After a tough defeat against Kyabram last week, the Reserves were ready to take advantage of their second chance to book their place in the Grand Final. Mansfield had the wind advantage in the first quarter, making plenty of the play but they were held goalless by a determined Seymour backline. In the second term the game remained even, with neither team able to gain the upper hand before Seymour took the lead late in the third, a lead they did not relinquish for the remainder of the game. Curtis Powell was dominant through the middle of the ground, backing up his ball winning prowess with a couple of crucial goals. Alex Elliott continued his solid finals form with another strong performance, while Nick Dundon provided run and carry all day, driving the Lions into attack. Down back, Scott McMaster and Sam Fuhrmeister repelled countless Mansfield entries, intercept marking at will, with McMaster running hard of half back. A great win ahead of a massive rematch against Kyabram in the Grand Final.  Best: C Powell, A Elliott, N Dundon, S McMaster, S Fuhrmeister Goals: C Powell 2, J Davey 2, W Le Deux 1, J Radford 1

Semi Final Netball Reports

September 9, 2025
O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 36 def by Euroa 45 A super effort from the Lions. They fought to the end in a very contested game. Shona Gesler was steady as always in goals and Mia Allen entered the game with energy. Chloe Locke asserted her dominance at both ends of the court and the team put in an effort they should be proud of. Euroa were too strong in terribly wet conditions. Seymour Hardware Group B GRADE Seymour 51 def Swans 37 The first quarter was goal for goal, with the Lions holding strong to stay in touch. We applied full court pressure leading to multiple turnovers, allowing us to bring the ball to our shooters. Our defence was solid with Toni Bootland getting her hands on everything. It was a great game to watch. The girls were super and played for each other. Well done Beer Auto Group Seymour A GRADE Seymour 32 def by Bears 42 The Lions had a strong first quarter, playing strategically. Ruby Martin and Sarah Szczykulski applied all the pressure defensively, keeping their opponents out of the game early. Ellie Fuhrmeister and Ally Black worked well to create movement in the goals. Lucy Zotti was a workhorse in the middle of the court but the Lions weren’t able to stay with the Bears late in the game. The girls have another chance next week to make it into the Grand Final.
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