Simply put, you don’t see Seymour concede six goals in a term very often.
The Swans and Seymour embarked on a proper arm-wrestle early on, already representing a competitive lift from the previous fortnight for the home side.
The Lions pulling narrowly ahead at the first change appeared an indication that the Swans would again play from behind the eight-ball through the middle stages as they did through their first two games.
The twice-shy Swans emphatically subverted those expectations with a dizzyingly efficient second term that left Seymour all at sea.
“Game on” was the call when Nathan Fowler sunk a sensational long-range set shot after the three-quarter time siren to bring the Lions within three goals, but the momentum wasn’t there going in to the final term.
Riley Mason produced his game-high fourth major in that last stanza, but blew multiple other chances as the Swans went about locking it inside their forward half.
Repeat entries led to little in terms of goals to kill the contest, but it didn’t matter — retaining the territory served just as healthy a purpose.
It will be a missed four points to lament for Seymour, with the Swans getting on the board via a 12.12 (84) to 9.12 (66) win.
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Down and dirty: Seymour’s Jack Murphy gets a handball away at ground level. Photo by Holly DanielImage 2 of 9
Going nowhere: Shepparton Swans’ Nathan Hrovat is dragged down in a tackle. Photo by Holly DanielImage 3 of 9
Out in front: Shepparton Swans’ Lucas Rachele nabs a mark on the lead. Photo by Holly DanielImage 4 of 9
Close attention: Shepparton Swans’ Nathan Hrovat is in the middle of another contest. Photo by Holly DanielImage 5 of 9
Heads up: Shepparton Swans coach Jedd Wright delivers a message of stability. Photo by Holly DanielImage 6 of 9
Up against it: Seymour coach Ben Davey rallies the troops. Photo by Holly DanielImage 7 of 9
Reach out: Seymour’s Dylan Scopel cops some contact from Shepparton Swans’ Steele Simpson. Photo by Holly DanielImage 8 of 9
Aerial control: Seymour’s Nicholas Dundon juggles a contested mark. Photo by Holly DanielImage 9 of 9
Man of Steele: Shepparton Swans’ Steele Simpson tries to get up the ground. Photo by Holly DanielSeymour coach Ben Davey lamented the frenzied second-quarter attack that took the heart out of his side.
“In the second quarter, we went away from everything we were meant to do, and in the second half, if was like trying to flick a switch and the switch not coming on,” Davey said.
“We worked really hard and didn’t get the reward in the third term and, by that stage, we were down to one rotation with a three-goal buffer, but that’s football.
“It’s a learning curve with a lot of young blokes, but it’s just about building.
“We fell into their trap by turning it over on some terrible spots, which allowed them to go forward.
“We pride ourselves on the way we use the footy, but we just kept giving it back.”
Next up for the 0-2 Lions will be hosting a 3-0 Shepparton outfit that has done everything in comfortable fashion thus far.
Given Davey’s past links to one Bears star, there’s no underestimation of this Saturday’s visitors, who missed finals in 2023.
“Shepparton has recruited really well, and they’re a good team,” Davey said.
“We’ve had some good games with them already. I coached Luke Smith at Murray Bushrangers and he’s a quality player.”
Enrique Goggin and VFL-listed James Auld received recognition among the best for the victorious Swans, while Mason and Fowler got their due acknowledgment after combining for seven of Seymour’s nine goals.