Goulburn Valley League: Seymour’s surprises Euroa, ex-AFL talent fires

A team of homegrown talents is showing up opposition sides stacked with ex-AFL and VFL talent, as top players continue to fire.

Kyle Winter Irving has been in fine form for Seymour to start the season. Picture GLENN CAMPBELL

Seymour hasn’t just surprised its Goulburn Valley League opponents to start 2021, but the club itself.

After a host of key departures since the end of 2019, many had tipped the Lions to fall down the ladder as they turned to their younger players.

But they’re proving names on paper mean nothing in local footy.

The Lions have won three straight games to start the season, taking care of Echuca, Rochester and Euroa.

All of their opposition sides have a number of former VFL and AFL players.

Seymour are relying on their kids to get the job done according to club president Gerard O’Sullivan.

“We were very fortunate to retain most of the under 18s who finished as runners-up in 2019,” he said.

“The progress we’ve made so far has been really exciting and a lot of credit needs to go to our coaching staff.

“When we recruited for this season it was our goal to top up some of the talent we had and I think we’ve been able to do that.

“We’ve surprised ourselves with how well we’ve gone but hopefully that can keep going.”

Their latest win against Euroa on Saturday was arguably the group’s biggest learning curve yet.

A nine-goal third term put the Lions ahead by 33 points at the final change but Euroa rallied to get within six points at the final siren.

“Our fitness definitely played a part again,” O’Sullivan said.

“We’ve been running out games very well in the opening month.”

Several players have been forced to up their games in the opening weeks of the season with star midfielder Jason Cole still sidelined with an elbow injury.

Co-captain Kyle Winter Irving is one of those who has shouldered more responsibility, continuing his strong start to the season with another impressive display.

“He’s always a good contributor and is always dangerous around goal,” O’Sullivan said.

Kier Bol, Jack O’Sullivan and Josh Alford were also among the Lions’ better players.

Ex AFL and VFL players continue to impress

Echuca’s 21-point victory over local rivals Rochester saw a number of high quality footballers take to the field.

For the winners, former Hawthorn rookie Ruory Kirkby booted three while former Geelong VFL player Ben Reid, the brother of GWS’ Sam, was named best afield.

Logan Austin, who spent time with Port Adelaide and St Kilda, kicked three for Rochester.

Kyabram found its way back onto the winners’ list courtesy of a 105-point thumping of Shepparton as former Collingwood rookie Lachlan Smith kicked six.

Tatura’s Nicholas Fothergill, who has played state league footy for Williamstown, guided his side to a nine-point win over Shepparton Swans with three goals.

Shepparton United and Benalla were the weekend’s other winners.