Outer East FN: Seville finds strength in unity after teammate’s death

The tragic death of a teammate has shocked Seville football club, but coach Shaun Wilson says the devastating loss has galvanised his players and brought the grieving team closer together.

Seville players leave the ground after their win over Yarra Junction on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Batsch

The sudden death of a much-loved teammate has galvanised Seville football club.

Jackson Lowe, 26, who played four games for the Blues’ senior side this season, died overseas earlier this month.

“Lowey’s infectious energy, kindness and generosity touched the hearts of everyone at the club,’’ the club wrote.

“As a player, he was fearless and protective of his mates on the field which could only be matched by his compassion and empathy off the field. He will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched.’’

Jackson Lowe's energy, kindness and generosity touched the hearts of everyone at Seville. Picture: Facebook

Lowe’s passing left all at Seville numb, but according to senior coach Shaun Wilson the sadness has also brought the team closer.

“It was a shock…a lot of the boys were good mates with him, they grew up with him,” Wilson said.

“They’ve taken that pretty hard but the way they’ve responded has been good…it’s probably galvanised the group.”

Seville’s players were overcome with emotion when they played Warburton Millgrove last week.

“I had four guys in the warm up against Warby out on the ground balling their eyes out,’’ Wilson said.

“I wasn’t sure what I would get but I just said, ‘go out and have fun, play footy’.”

Wilson said Lowe’s memory would drive Seville for the remainder of the season as it contends for the Outer East FN Division 1 premiership.

“It’s definitely in the back of your mind,’’ he said.

“When times get tough you dig in. That’s what it’s about.”

Sonny Saniga takes a kick for Seville on Saturday. Picture: Andrew Batsch

Seville, with a mix of experience and youth, has emerged as a genuine flag contender this season.

The Blues improved their record to 10-3 with a thumping win over Yarra Junction 27.16 (178) to 1.2 (8) on Saturday.

Former Woori Yallock forward Josh Neal slotted seven goals and Dom Aloi five as Seville piled on 18 goals to nil after halftime.

Tristen O’Neill continued his superb season with another best-on-ground display and teenage guns Mason O’Neill and Blake Morison were also outstanding.

“The young kids have been more of a highlight to be honest with you,” Wilson said.

In other games, former Hawthorn VAFA player Charlie Boots was one of Alexandra’s best in its win over Yarra Glen, 13.9 (87) to 6.4 (40). Will Stewart kicked four goals and Luke Spence three.

Warburton Millgrove had seven multiple goal kickers in its thumping win over Powelltown 25.22 (172) to 5.7 (37). Liam Westlake kicked four, while Lachlan Hewitt, Toby Mitchell and Ben Pretty were in the Burras best.

Former Lilydale player Daniel Ryan was best-afield in Belgrave’s win over Yea 10.15 (75) to 11.4 (70). Yea’s Corbin Sutherland and Jack Rennex kicked goals in the last quarter to cut Belgrave’s lead to two points, but the Magpies held on — jumping into fifth spot.