There was always going to be one cold hard reality, regardless of outcome, after Seymour and Kyabram’s Goulburn Valley League match-up on Saturday.
The one universal truth was that David Mundy’s performance, in lining up for his boyhood club Seymour for the first time in more than two decades, would be more closely watched than anyone else in the competition likely will for the entire season.
The numbers are in, though, and we have a clear-cut picture of Mundy’s total statistical contribution on the day.
David Mundy’s day against Kyabram
Disposals: 19
Contested possessions: 13
Clearances: 5
Ground-ball gets: 10
Goals: 2
The term ‘statistical’ is important to note, given the wealth of knowledge and intangible value Mundy’s fellow Lions no doubt enjoyed.
His two goals came consecutively in the later stages of the third term, when Seymour was finally starting to seriously chip away at the 47-point deficit it had faced just minutes earlier.
To say the Kings Park atmosphere sparked up when Mundy produced his double delight would be an understatement.
How about what the man himself thought of his output, though?
Emerging from a wave of post-match autograph-seekers and selfie requests, Mundy took time to reflect with The Telegraph.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind trip with the red-eye flight and only a few hours’ sleep,” Mundy said after making the journey from his West Australian home.
“I think I’ve pulled it off well. I was at least able to walk at the end of the day.
“I was there to play my role and get some feedback, but I was able to slot into a nice midfield unit.
“We got on top, but we just couldn’t capitalise during different stages.”
Not only did Mundy’s two majors come during that barnstorming third term, but so did 10 of his touches and eight of his contested possessions in a fiery spell.
When he lifted, those around him followed suit.
“In the first quarter, we were a bit apprehensive and there may have been a bit of an expectation that things would just work out,” Mundy said.
“It was a quick realignment at quarter-time, which was a real credit to Ben Davey.
“We gained confidence and momentum and, particularly in that third term, we were able to hit the scoreboard.”
Of course, the obvious question concerns Mundy’s next appointment to run out in the Seymour colours after a first-up performance that yielded 99 ranking points — a tally good enough for fourth-best among the home side.
“I’m working closely with Ben, but my work and family schedules in Western Australia will be the biggest determinant,” Mundy said.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time and I’ll be searching for another opportunity.”