Not even a Herculean effort from raging Morrison Medal favourite Will Hayes was enough to drag Euroa over the line against fierce rival Seymour on Saturday as the Lions claimed a tense 13-point win.
Hayes registered an astonishing individual performance as he became the first player this Goulburn Valley League season to register 50 disposals in a game.
The Magpies’ star on-baller chalked up 14 touches in the final quarter alone as Euroa tried to mount a late comeback at Memorial Oval with a three-goal-to-zip final term, but it wasn’t enough and Seymour held on to record a 12.10 (82) to 10.9 (69) win.
Hayes’ incredible effort on Saturday consisted of 30 kicks, 20 handballs, 21 contested possessions, 10 inside 50s, 10 tackles and a goal.
Despite leading by five goals at the last break, Seymour supporters no doubt chewed their fingernails down to the quick in a stress-filled end to the game.
Seymour’s hard-fought win was only made sweeter by Kyabram slipping up against Shepparton to send the Bombers eight points adrift of the top two teams in Seymour and Echuca.
Jack O’Sullivan stood up for Seymour as he has done all season and earned himself another best-on accolade, while Riley Mason and Josh Alford led Seymour’s scoring with three goals each.
Jett Trotter was the main man for Euroa up front with five goals, but it was defender Ryan Pendlebury who claimed best-on honours for the Magpies.