The Seymour Lions have begun re-signing players for the 2024 GVL season, with young guns Huw Jones, Riley Mason, Nathan Beattie and Nic Quigg all recommitting to the club.
All four players are under the age of 23 and have been consistent performers across the 2023 season in the Lions senior team.
Huw Jones returned from injury this year, joining the leadership group and establishing himself as one of the premier small defenders in the competition, finishing equal 5th in the club’s Best and Fairest. Jones also took home the Eamonn O’Connor Award, voted by teammates as the player most consistently displaying the values ‘tough, hard and honest.’
Riley Mason has enjoyed his second full season at the club, having played U18s football with the Calder Cannons prior to signing with Seymour. Mason represented the GVL in its interleague clash with the Ovens and Murray League and finished third in the club’s Best and Fairest.
Nathan Beattie first played Under 18s football at Kings Park in 2019, already racking up more than 40 seniors games in addition to VFL experience with North Melbourne in 2022. The tough midfielder played every game this season and will be looking to help Seymour take the next step in 2024.
The youngest of the quartet, Nic Quigg, has now played his first full season of senior football including a VFL debut with the Coburg Lions earlier in the year. Quigg co-captained the Murray Bushrangers last year, finishing second in their best and fairest.
Seymour Lions Senior Coach Ben Davey said the club was thrilled to have the talented youngsters recommitting for the 2024 season.
“Preparations are well and truly underway at the club for next year after what was a disappointing finals campaign,” Mr Davey said.
“These boys are absolutely crucial to our success moving forward and we’re delighted they are going round again with a real clear vision of where we’re headed.
“All four of them bring something unique to our side. We’re incredibly lucky to have such young players with already well-developed leadership skills, experience at VFL level, and other fantastic attributes.
“Our list is taking shape next year and we hope to have plenty more announcements in the coming weeks as we re-sign players for next year.
“There’s a desire across our whole club to learn from our finals experience this season and take the next step in 2024. We can’t wait to get back on the track and get into training again.”