County footy: Seymour’s Jack O’Sullivan wins GVL Morrison Medal

A Seymour recruit has taken home the Goulburn Valley League’s best and fairest with a remarkable number of votes.

Former Romsey star Jack O’Sullivan took home the GVL’s Morrison medal. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Seymour star Jack O’Sullivan’s 22 votes to take home the Goulburn Valley league best and fairest might have surprised some — but not his coach Ben Davey.

O’Sullivan stormed home to win the Morrison medal on Tuesday night finishing seven votes of his nearest challenger, Kyabram’s Zac Keogh — a former Seymour player.

The former Romsey midfielder played all 11 games for the Lions this season taking his game to another level after moving across from the Riddell District competition.

And heading into the night, Davey said his star man was always going to figure strongly.

But he couldn’t have predicted him polling more votes than 2019 winner Mick Mattingly who played seven more games two years ago.

“I thought Jack stood out in most of our games,” he said.

“It helps when you are winning games and we managed to do that in a very successful year for our club. But this award didn’t come just because Jack turned up on a Saturday, he put a lot of effort in during the week.

“He is someone our guys look up to even though he is still 23 himself.

“Whether its at training or his rehab, he is always looking for ways to improve himself as a player.

“But the biggest thing for us is that he’s a good person to have around our club.”

Jack O’Sullivan showed he knew where the goals are. Picture: Wayne Herring.

O’Sullivan was attracted to Kings Park by the opportunity to play with his school mates according to Davey with Jack Murphy in particular playing a big role to get him to the club.

“He’s very close with a lot of boys and wanted the chance to play with his mates,” Davey said.

“From his first training session, you could really see that he was really enjoying himself.”

Davey first came across O’Sullivan at a VFL practice match when he was part of the North Melbourne set up.

On that day, O’Sullivan was in Collingwood colours.

“I remember watching him and being impressed with how he went about it,” Davey recalled.

“His traits of being clean with the ball and strong in the contest are still there today.

“But what stands out most is the fact he hates losing and that is something which has become a real trademark of our group.”

Davey was also honoured on the night after he was named the senior coach of the year.

“It’s nice to receive an award but it doesn’t come without the hard work of people behind the scenes,” he said.

“I’m just a figure head for our club and am supported by a great committee and playing group.”

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