Seymour mentor shines light on positives in 30-point win over Tigers

Back on their home deck at Kings Park, the Lions were dominant in the first half, without setting the world on fire, as they marched into the main break sporting a four-goal buffer.

With key defender Lachlan Waite at the other end of the ground ― and performing brilliantly to end with four majors to his name ― Seymour’s margin increased to 35 points by the three-quarter time siren.

As the rain began to set in, the play shifted more into Rochester’s favour and the Tigers rallied late to outscore the hosts in the final term which saw the match end 11.12 (78) to 7.8 (48).

Michael Hartley was influential in defence and continued his outstanding start to the new year, while young gun Ben Cooney impressed across the ground as did VFL talent Tom O’Sullivan (two goals).

Rochester’s talented key position target Mitch Cricelli performed strongly and Joe Atley (one goal) was the best for the Tigers.

Seymour debuted Oliver Lubeck and Alex Elliott in the five-goal triumph and both earned praise from Davey for their roles in defence and up forward respectively.

Despite only having one rotation on the bench in the final term, Davey stressed it was “precautionary” to rest some “sore bodies”.

Although disappointed with how his charges finished the round two contest, Davey was pleased with the progress the young Lions continue to make in the early steps of the season.

“The scoreboard doesn’t really reflect the game that much. It was pretty tight and they were good around the contests, but we were able to get the ball off them,” Davey said.

“The last quarter was disappointing, to let them kick five goals, but we were able to get a bit of experience into some of our young players.

“Our first half was really pleasing. I feel we are getting better at the things we are focusing on.

“Composure is a big one, concentrating across four quarters and just understanding that we don’t have to go flat out all the time ... just adapting to each game scenario.”