The surprise packet of season 2021, the Lions have looked to build on that momentum throughout the summer, adding some exciting recruits to a list already brimming with elite GVL talent.
Benalla on the other hand have had to battle a tumultuous off-season period, with a lack of numbers resulting in the club sending out an SOS on social media in January and being unable to field a reserves side on Saturday.
But while the Saints come into this clash having endured some hardship, Seymour coach Ben Davey said his team would not be taking them lightly.
“I know they have had some troubles, but we are probably expecting them to come out with a bit of a point to prove,” Davey said.
“They had to really work hard to keep their club afloat, and I think there will be a fair bit of emotion and feeling coming from their side on Saturday.
“There is no possible way you can take them for granted or think they will be no good, because if you roll into a GVL game thinking everything will flow really easily you will get knocked down really quick.”
For Davey, the focus will be on bringing the heat from the outset, with his squad incredibly excited to finally get back to playing for premiership points.
“It has certainly been a long time coming and feels strange we are finally having a match after a pre-season that has felt like it has gone forever. So I feel the boys will be primed and ready to go,” he said.
“They have had enough of training and now it’s time to get going, so we are really looking forward to getting out there this weekend.”
For Benalla co-coach Mark McKenzie the game plan is simple: bring the heat.
“For us it is all about giving 100 per cent effort, we aren’t going to be the tallest, the quickest or the strongest team, so all we can really ask of our players is to bring that effort and pressure,” McKenzie said.
“If we’re good enough than we’ll be in it and if not then so be it.”
The Saints certainly won’t be without talent however, with its cry for help resulting in stalwarts Josh Marchbank, Brody Webster and Riley Johnson returning to the club to assist with the rebuilding effort.
“It will be great to have those boys back in Saints colours this weekend,” he said.
“Being away from the club when Josh (Marchbank) played I haven’t seen much of him, but in the practice matches we’ve had he’s impressed greatly. So we are excited to have a ruckman of his quality.
“Brody (Webster) looked to move away but when the club put a plea out for players, he was the first one to put his hand up and come back which is a great trait in the fella and he has huge potential.
“The guys we have are all at the club for the right reasons, some are playing who probably didn’t want to play to be honest, but they didn’t want to see the club fold and those are the type of characters we want in our group.”
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