Lions clean up at awards
Seymour enjoyed an incredibly successful Goulburn Valley League presentation night last Wednesday, claiming a host of awards across all grades of football and netball.
Midfield maestro Ben Rigoni took home the night’s top honour, winning the Morrison Medal as the best-and-fairest player in the senior football competition, but he wasn’t the only Lion to come away with a new piece of silverware.
Following in the footsteps of Rigoni, Seymour youngster Angus Murray ratified his standing as one of the most exciting talents in the GVL, winning the Pattison Medal as the premier player in the under-18 competition.
Sticking with the theme of up-and-coming talents, Seymour utility Riley Mason was rewarded for a breakout campaign at senior level, with the unassuming young gun claiming the Mooroopna Golf Club Rising Star Award.
A revelation for the Lions in 2022, Mason averaged an impressive 21.2 disposals, 8.8 marks, 5.6 handball receives and 1.4 marks and presents as vital to Seymour’s hopes of returning to the finals.
Rounding out the award winners in the seniors, experienced on-baller Jack Murphy took home the prestigious Shepparton News Award.
The award recognises the GVL’s best player in the eyes of the News’ sports desk, and Murphy claimed the honour after averaging a leaguehigh 29.7 disposals per game, while using the ball at an impressive 74 per cent, taking 6.6 marks and kicking 1.2 goals in his 18 matches.
Spearhead Max Jones was the only reserves footballer to win an award, coming away with the GV Finance Brokers Jack Edwards leading goal kicker crown after producing a 65-goal season to be the competition’s leading goal kicker.
In the under-16s, young gun Oliver Munro was also recognised as the competition’s leading goal kicker, booting 35 majors.
On the netball court, Lions co-coach Ellie O’Sullivan was the club’s top performer in the Wellman Family Medal, finishing in equal fourth place behind three-time winner Jessie Barnes, Kyabram’s Hollie Reid and Rochester’s Bridgette Holt.
In B-grade, Andrea McKenzie secured a second-place finish in the Sandra Cox Medal, while goaler Ruby Martin won the Hit 96.9 MVP Award for the division.
As a club, Seymour also won the goal shooting award in B-grade and goal defending award in B-reserve.
Off the field and court, two of Seymour’s much-loved volunteers were also recognised.
Douglas McLarty was given the GOTAFE Volunteer of the Year Award following his incredible efforts at Kings Park this season, while Karen Wright took out the Veolia Spirit of the GVL Award.