Stage four COVID-19 restrictions in the Mitchell Shire meant other teams in the youth girls league played three matches before the second regional shutdown.
With the COVID-19 shackles on youth sport now finally removed, the Lions were itching to show their rivals what they could bring at the weekend.
Enter the undefeated Shepparton United, which post-lockdown was also after a practice match.
In its three matches against other premiership hopefuls none of its opponents scored so much as a behind against United, let alone a goal.
It was a challenge the Lions couldn't ignore.
Training recommenced for the young Lions and the aches returned, and this time a real game was in their sights.
A call out to Mansfield to help, which also had girls without a game this year, had four young players — Asha, Madi, Larissa and Mani — answer the call.
And on Sunday, the Lions finally took to the back oval at Kings Park for a chance to go toe-to-toe with United.
The spectators, who were all social distancing, also revelled in the beautiful day and the sight of their daughters and sisters having a kick.
The challenge for the Lions was this — to be the only team to score against a Shepparton United side loaded with Bushrangers talent from across the Goulburn Valley.
And it took less than a quarter to achieve the feat, when deep in the first quarter a behind was scored.
Elated, the girls erupted in cheers — surprising many as few spectators were aware of the significant achievement.
With the United team full of bigger bodies, the Lions — made up of 13 to 16-year-olds, as well as a young Taja Hender, 12 — were met head-on with a physical contest.
Despite the size difference, players such as Freyja Parker, Emily Chapman and Yea guns Asha Close and Ruby Cook challenged the opposition in the contested ball efforts.
To add to the surprises, the Lions scored a goal on the run via Broadford's Emily Williams, who impressed the Bushrangers scouts with her athleticism and ruck efforts.
Two more goals followed and United was pulling out all the stops to stay ahead of the Lions.
Young Puckapunyal player Kaitlyn Sweet kept finding the ball and Monique Purchase picked up from where she left off last year by playing her own brand of fast-paced and dynamic footy.
Despite the long quarters and warm weather, the intensity never stopped with Erin Libardi and Darcie Donovan getting their hands on plenty of the footy.
To top off a great day, a running Chloe Locke swooped on the Sherrin from a ruck contest to convert to delighted cheers.
With the Lions kicking four goals for the match, it was four more than any other Goulburn Valley team could achieve against United, signalling a minor win for Seymour's football stocks.
And while the team didn't win on the scoreboard, for the girls who formed the heart of the squad this year, it was reward for a lot of training and effort to finally get a game — even if it was in October.
The signs for 2021 are there for all to see, with the team now having an experience to bond it until next season.
In a season that never happened, the team extended a big thank you to the all the parents who bring their girls from Euroa, Broadford, Yea, Nagambie, Wandong and Pyalong to training. This cannot work without parental support which often goes unappreciated.
Another thank you goes to all who ensured everyone involved was COVID-19 responsible. If the Lions are lucky, the Murray Felines from further north have heard of the game and wants to play. Stay tuned.
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