Travelling to Tatura Park to take on the Bulldogs, it wasn’t quite the 131-point drubbing the Lions delivered in the previous meeting between the two sides this season, however it was still a complete performance from Seymour on the eve of finals, comfortably winning 15.16 (106) to 6.6 (42).
From the opening centre clearance on Saturday, the Lions were ferocious, booting the first four goals of the contest and dominating in every facet, and though the Bulldogs did sneak one late to ensure they didn’t go goalless, it was Seymour ahead 4.2 (26) to 1.2 (8) at the first break.
Seymour co-coach Jack Murphy, who re-signed during the week for the 2027 season, added his second to start the second term, quickly followed by another to Nathan Beattie, as the Lions’ margin went beyond five goals.
Tatura showed some fight, though, snaring consecutive goals via Will Russell and Jess Petherick to cut the deficit back to 20 points, yet a Dylan Cook double and a second goal of the afternoon to Ricky Schraven just before half time handed the Lions a 9.6 (60) to 3.3 (21) lead at the main break.
The two sides traded behinds to begin the third term, but soon enough Seymour took control again, and it was the stars to the fore.
Lachlan Giles booted his first goal of the year, before Riley Mason – another Lion to recommit for next year – added his first of the afternoon, and Murphy his third, as the margin ballooned to 59 points.
Cook too added a third shortly after in what was quickly becoming a monster afternoon for the midfield gun, ensuring the Lions led by 61 points at the final change after a four-goal-to-one third term, the Bulldogs’ only major coming off the boot of Cade Dealy.
The home side continued to scrap away until the final siren, booting the opening two goals of the final quarter via Kieren Andrew and Dealy, though Murphy put the cherry on top of a brilliant afternoon with his fourth, followed by one to Tom Maloney, ensuring the Lions won every term en route to the 64-point triumph.
Cook (three goals), Nic Quigg (one goal) – yet another heavy hitter to commit to 2027 at the Lions – and Giles (one goal) were named in the best for the Lions, just ahead of Murphy, who booted a game-high four majors, while Ben Darrou was given the nod as the Bulldogs’ best in defeat.
The win is massive for the Lions, locking in a third spot finish on the ladder and an elimination final match-up against sixth-placed Mooroopna, where a win will see them playing off for a spot in the grand final the following week.
