GVL | Seymour backs in cubs to lead the pack this year

IN: Nick Davey, Tom Davey (VAFA), Harley Taylor-Lloyd (Picola United), Jack O’Sullivan (Romsey), Justin McKenna (Lakes Entrance), Jay Eager (Broadford), Nick Dundon (AFL Loddon), Tim Dundon (Murrumbeena), Ben Cooney.

OUT: Zac Keogh (Kyabram), Tom Martin, Jordan Zuccula, Max Jones, Bailey Clarke, Dom Russo, Max Mclean, Jake Anderson (Avenel), Lachlan Harrop (Adelaide), James Wooster (RDFL), Michael Bradbury (Golden Rivers), Chris Jackson (NFFL), Alex Johnson (WRFL), Mitch McLean (Heathcote District), Matt Martin (Nagambie), Tyler Clarke, Rhys Clarke (EDFL), Bryce Scoullar (MFL).

GAME CHANGER

Kyle Winter-Irving: After spending time in the Top End off the back of the 2019 season, Winter-Irving's experience in the NTFL should prove to be a big advantage for Seymour. A key forward at the Den, Winter-Irving's move into the ruck at Nightcliff will give the Lions greater versatility around the ground, while Winter-Irving will know what it takes to win it all after claiming a flag with Tigers — no doubt invaluable for the young Lions coming through.

SEASON PREDICTION

6th-10th: With a vastly different looking group to its 2019 finals team, key outs, loss of depth, and the promotion of youth could unfortunately be Seymour's downfall to returning to September action this year. There is no doubt the Lions should be able to compete with the best in the competition, but the question will be can they do it consistently enough to bank enough wins to sneak into finals.

After 16 months on the sidelines, Seymour will back in a young cohort and strong culture to push the club forward this year.

With Ben Davey given full reins to lead the Lions into attack, with last year's co-coach Ben Clifton moving into the senior assistant position, there has been little change at the top of the food chain.

Perhaps the Lions’ biggest challenge though will be adjusting to plenty of movement through their playing ranks.

Jason Cole's continued absence with an elbow injury is further compounded by Zac Keogh's defection to reigning premier Kyabram.

Add to those the loss of full-forward Jake Anderson to Avenel, and there are some huge holes to fill at Kings Park.

But that doesn't mean the Lions are lacking the talent at Kings Park to make another charge for finals action.

Fellow midfielders Tom Freeman and Dylan Scopel will be tapped for more responsibility, while a fully fit Clifton should do wonders for the Lions’ chances of on-field success.

Meanwhile, the recruitment of midfielder Jack O'Sullivan is another boost for the program.

Formerly on Collingwood's VFL list, O'Sullivan comes out of the Calder Cannons under-18 program, and as a former Assumption College student, knows plenty of faces around the club.

“That's the angle we've gone for, trying to recruit through fellow contacts, get some local players back and back in the players we've already got,” Davey said.

“The local talent we have here is strong, they're a close group and just need to play some footy.”

It's that strong pool of talent, particularly from its 2019 under-18 team, the Lions will lean on heavily to filter up into their senior program, with players such as Sam Durham, Dylan Cook and Hudson all expected to make the jump up to regular senior football.

“They've virtually had 18 months with no training and footy, but they've come back bigger, stronger and quicker,” Davey said.

“They just want to play footy — they're jumping out of their skins to play.”

Davey's influence from the sideline, in what will be his first full season at the Lions, will also be of interest as the Lions look to tighten up a winning game plan.

“Yeah, we will have that set structure around the ground, but what I really want to encourage is for the boys to just play,” he said.

“Once the ball is in play, play with freedom and as fast and quick as you can.

“Once there is a stoppage, it's then we need to know where we need to be.”

With continued on-field success undoubtedly wanted from those around the Den this year, Davey said an additional focus would be on bringing the group closer together this year — and for years to come.

“We've seen a couple of the leaders decide to go out and set up dinners through our sponsors, and we're regularly getting 40-50 guys coming to that,” Davey said.

“That's the sort of culture within the club. It's very tight.

“And if we can take that into the next couple years, get 50 games into these young guys, we're going to have a strong club and culture that's sustainable for the next 10 years. ”

SEASON FIXTURE

Round 1 Echuca (A) April 3

Round 2 Rochester (H) April 10

Round 3 BYE April 17

Round 4 Euroa (H) April 24

Round 5 Kyabram (H) May 1

Round 6 Shepparton (A) May 8

Round 7 Benalla (A) May 15

Round 8 Mooroopna (H) May 29

Round 9 Shepparton Swans (H) June 5

Round 10 Tatura (A) June 12

Round 11 Shepparton United (A) June 19

Round 12 Mansfield (H) June 26

Round 13 Shepparton (H) July 3

Round 14 Euroa (A) July 17

Round 15 Rochester (A) July 24

Round 16 Echuca (H) July 31

Round 17 Benalla (H) August 14

Round 18 Mooroopna (A) August 21