Gallery | Lions ‘Seymour’ success in Goulburn Valley League B-Reserve grand final

Seymour previously defeated grand final rivals Rochester twice in 2024, the first in round eight when the Lions won 56-31.

The second time was in the qualifying final when Seymour won a tight match by six goals.

The grand final was tightly contested early, with both the Tigers and Lions attacking the start of the first quarter with intensity.

Rochester got the early break to lead by three goals (5-8) thanks to some sharp shooting from goaler Sahra Brooks.

However, a 9-0 run late in the term saw the Lions take a 15-9 lead at quarter time.

Rochester goalkeeper Annalese Oliver made life difficult for Seymour’s attacking duo as the Tigers’ hand turned hot in the second term, clawing the lead back to a two-goal margin (18-16).

After letting Rochester tie the score at 20 apiece, Seymour responded with a quick three-goal blast to regain its lead heading into halftime.

Both sides traded blows to start the second half as the Tigers kept close contact with the Lions through the third.

Rochester centre Rachel Whipp was busy across the court all day, working as a connector between defence and attack.

Seymour goaler Shona Gesler shot sharply in the Lions’ goal end, while defender Toni Bootland was a brick wall in defence.

The tide began to turn for Seymour late in the third as the Lions extended their lead to six goals (32-26).

Seymour’s high amount of rotations throughout the first three quarters gave the Lions a pep in their step to start the fourth term.

Three early goals boosted Seymour’s lead to nine (35-26).

The Lions continued to hit the scoreboard throughout the final quarter, eventually winning by 14 goals (44-30).

Defender Bootland received best-on-court honours for her efforts.

Seymour coach Courtney Aldous was impressed by Bootland’s performance, given the star defender had just returned from injury.

“It’s (Bootland’s) first game back since six or eight weeks,” Aldous said.

“She had a wrist injury, so to come and perform like that was insane.

“Casey Drummond is always such a stayer in the midcourt for us.

“Shona Gesler starred up front.”

Coming into the match, Aldous said the group felt pressure to perform after making it through 2024 undefeated.

“It’s a real special group of girls,” she said.

“We have had a big build-up to this point, given we were undefeated throughout the season, but we embraced it.

“The girls came and showed up today.

“I am really grateful to be a part of this team.”

The Lions utilised the rolling substitution rule perfectly in the grand final.

Aldous said this had been a focus point for the group all season.

“We acknowledged how versatile we were as a group,” she said.

“We have a team of 12, and we played with a team of 12.

“I value each girl who comes on.

“We have embraced the rolling subs this season and I think that made a difference for us this year.”