Seymour got its Goulburn Valley League campaign off to a winning start on Good Friday with a gritty 21-point triumph over Benalla on the road.
With a host of guns back in action, the travelling Lions supporters left Benalla Showgrounds with plenty to be happy about.
Seymour got the early jump on the home side with a match-winning five-goal-to-zip opening term.
Thanks to GVL Data, we can get some insight into Seymour’s blistering opening term.
Seymour won the disposal count in the first quarter (90-68) and chalked up +13 marks, 14 of those uncontested.
Seymour’s aerial dominance was a hallmark of its game style last year and it’s no surprise to see the outfit excel in that category once again in 2023.
Turnovers wreaked havoc on Benalla in the opening term with the Saints coughing up 17, with 11 of those in the midfield.
Seymour took advantage of those mistakes and piled on 4.4 (28) from turnovers.
However, Benalla had its own dominance once the nerves settled.
The midfield battle was one that Seymour coach Ben Davey highlighted before the match, with the Saints boasting a formidable onball brigade spearheaded by the likes of Will and James Martiniello, Chris Welsh and Josh Marchbank.
Benalla won the contested disposal count (117-92) and smashed Seymour in clearances (39-19) and hit-outs (52-15).
Seymour went on to win the marks count with 113 to 61, something to expect more from Davey’s outfit as the season progresses.
Match summary
Disposals
Benalla: 271
Seymour: 294
Tackles
Benalla: 45
Seymour: 47
Marks
Benalla: 61
Seymour: 113
Inside 50s
Benalla: 49
Seymour: 41
Clearances
Benalla: 39
Seymour: 19