Remove a handful of determined Dogs, however, and the hosts may not have even gotten within striking distance.
Take Brad Ryan, for example.
The dashing backman reintroduced himself to the Goulburn Valley League in a big way versus the Lions, impacting the stats sheet like no other on the day.
Ryan was simply everywhere in defence as he racked up 33 disposals, with only Seymour’s Tom Maloney (37) recording more touches of the football.
He was clean off the boot, too, boasting 88 per cent disposal efficiency in a 29-4 kick/handball split.
Ryan literally spoiled the Lions’ party with an astonishing 12 one percenters — nearly doubling the next best in the category — while also claiming a game-high 13 intercept possessions.
The homegrown star was influential in engineering Tatura’s attacking moves from the back, notching an impressive eight rebound 50s with a resultant five goal involvements.
Ryan’s 193 ranking points amassed in Saturday’s thriller puts him clear of any other GVL player at the weekend, topping the competition’s charts in a storied win for the club.
So, who else starred in blue, white and red?
Ryan’s colleague at the back, Ethan Penrith, played a fierce game with 12 intercept possessions, nine contested possessions and six rebound 50s.
Lake Boga recruit Jacob Simpson was monstrous in the ruck, involved in 35 hit-outs as Tatura dominated the count 56-27 (17-5 to advantage).
It’s hard to argue Tatura’s contested game was anything less than stellar in the last-ditch downing of Seymour, but if Sargeant hadn’t converted at the death, a different story would’ve emerged from Tatura Park.
With performances like Ryan’s, though, the Bulldogs will always be a sniff in games like Saturday’s.
Brad Ryan versus Seymour
Disposals: 33
Intercept possessions: 13
One percenters: 12
Rebound 50s: 8
Score involvements: 6
Intercept marks: 5
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