Sport
Seymour rolls out a strong squad with new and returning faces for Goulburn Valley League push
With a galvanised on-court cast, will we see more from Seymour in 2024?
The Lions have dropped the veil on its team to wrangle the Goulburn Valley League season and, perhaps, the biggest signings are recommitments from Seymour’s top talents.
Reigning Wellman medallist Sarah Szczykulski will lead from the rear as the imposing defender has pledged her allegiance for another year.
Another superb presence in Casey Adamson returns and, after captaining Collingwood to Australian Netball Championship gold in August last year, the midcourt dynamo will be a great aid to coach Ellie Fuhrmeister.
Seymour bowed out to Tatura 57-30 in last season’s elimination final after finishing in fifth and Fuhrmeister knows the retention of her two top names is pivotal.
“We’ve got a fantastic bunch of girls who know what it takes to get the job done week in, week out,” Fuhrmeister said.
“To be able to keep Sarah and Casey in the squad is a great boost. They are a couple of the best netballers in country Victoria and provide the team with bucketloads of confidence.
“There’s plenty of experience in the squad and a huge amount of drive to make amends for a below-par finals series.
“If we keep our full squad on the court for most of the season, we’ll certainly be giving some of the top sides a run for their money.”
It’s not just the returning stars who headline Seymour’s squad.
The Lions have roped young goaler Ruby Martin back to Kings Park after a stint at Wodonga Bulldogs in the Ovens and Murray League, where she claimed the club’s B-grade best-and-fairest last season.
Seymour has also gained Ally Black, who was a part of Ariels’ Victorian Netball League squad in 2023.
Black is a versatile goal option who will add depth inside the circle alongside Jess Lallo and Fuhrmeister, while Rosie O’Sullivan and Courtney Aldous round out the Lions’ squad.
As Seymour chases the former glory of its 2019 and 2022 premiership seasons, Fuhrmeister is rapt with the team she’s assembled ahead of its opening clash against Tatura on April 6.
“We’ve seen, for a number of years, consistent finals appearances across all our senior teams, which is something we pride ourselves on,” she said.
“It’s a whole club effort throughout the course of our season, with players stepping in and out of different teams.
“While the A-grade squad is incredibly strong, we’ll be looking for opportunities to keep developing our younger players at a high level and building for a strong future.
“We’re all set to go for a big season and can’t wait for round one.”