Like a duck to water, when the rain started to fall at Kings Park, Seymour onballer Ben Rigoni was in his element, putting together a wet weather masterclass in the Lions’ thrilling one-point win over Mansfield.
The focal point of Seymour’s final quarter fightback, Rigoni was the one winning the ball at the coalface and sending his team forward, winning a team-high six clearances.
But it was his determination at the contest that really stood out, with 20 of his 28 possessions being contested, while also not being afraid to get his hands dirty in collecting 16 ground ball gets.
Along with his ability to win the ball, Rigoni’s pressure was outstanding, laying a game-high nine tackles as he went head-to-head with some of the league’s most accomplished midfielders in Brett Mahoney and Jimmy Herridge.
At a glance
Ben Rigoni vs Mansfield, round 11
Disposals: 28
Contested possessions: 20
Ground ball gets: 16
Clearances: 6
Tackles: 9
Throw in a crucial goal and it was about as complete a performance as you are likely to see from a young midfielder continuing to pave his way at senior level.
His past month has been particularly impressive, recording disposal counts of 28 (against United in round seven), 33 (against Shepparton in round eight), 30 (against Rochester in round nine) and 26 (against Tatura in round 10) to help the Lions record five straight wins.
He is also making a name for himself as one of the competition’s best hard ball winners, sitting third in total contested possessions heading into last weekend with an average of 13.1 a game, while sitting fourth in total clearances, averaging 6.2 a match.
So as Seymour continues its rise up the ladder, Rigoni is set to be a crucial cog in its hopes for September success.