Seymour will have to earn its way into the Goulburn Valley Football Netball League reserves grand final the long way after a crushing 96-point semi-final defeat against Echuca.
The Lions always looked likely to be up against it at Kyabram Recreational Reserve on Saturday.
The Murray Bombers had gone through the regular season undefeated, and only two teams, Rochester and Euroa, had got within 20 points of them.
Seymour’s previous efforts against the league leaders had resulted in 67- and 94-point defeats in rounds 13 and 16, respectively.
From the outset, it would be a long day for the Lions fans who had made the 100km trip up the Goulburn Valley Fwy as the Murray Bombers went into quarter-time five goals up.
While they could hold Echuca to just two majors in the second quarter, the Lions could not turn the tide and would finish the half 47 points behind.
Ten minutes into the third quarter, Seymour finally got its first goal of the game through Riley Graham.
The pain would continue to pile on, as Echuca flexed its muscles again with a five-goal- to-one term to take a commanding 75-point lead into the final change.
Despite a second goal for the Lions, courtesy of Sam Thomson, the damage was done and the Murray Bombers ran out 96-point winners.
Coach Nic Dundon said the performance showed why Echuca was the best team in the competition.
“Echuca played much better footy for the whole game and made it difficult for us to transition from defence to offence and vice versa,” he said.
Best on a forgettable day for the Lions were Alexander Elliott, Tayte Lewis, Jack Davey, Clayton Salmon and Max McLean.
Seymour will now hit the reset button and look forward to Sunday when it will take on Rochester at Deakin Reserve in Shepparton at noon for a grand final spot.
Having been defeated by the Tigers by 38 points in round eight at Kings Park, the Lions will head into the clash as underdogs.