Red time goals cost Mansfield as Seymour finishes stronger to maintain unbeaten start to GVL footy season

The Eagles started the match better as both teams traded behinds, with Richmond premiership star Alex Rance missing a relatively easy shot which would have opened the game's major account, but the Lions kicked into gear in the latter part of the opening stanza to lead by 14 at the first change.

Despite an inaccurate second term, where the Lions kicked 2.5, they were able to extend the lead to 18 points as the two teams headed to the sheds.

The Eagles kicked the opening goal of the third and two of the first three as they narrowed the margin to nine points, but late goals to Josh Alford, Hudson Kaak and Tom Hedley gave the Lions a match-high 26-point lead at the final break.

Harley Taylor-Lloyd, who kicked five goals, kicked two quick majors in the final term, his second following a mark on the behind line and a showing of the ball to his opponent.

When asked about the showboating post match Lions coach Ben Davey said he wasn't a fan.

“I do not like that at all,” Davey said.

“Lloydy's a character, but we will have a chat about that.”

What Davey did like, was his team's ability to finish off strong.

“They are such a good young team and they move the ball really quickly and well, their midfield especially,” he said of Mansfield.

“I thought if we could just get on top there or break even a bit more in the second half then we might get on top of them and that's pretty much what happened.”

While Davey couldn't put his finger on any players who stood out for the whole match, he said it was those even performances from his players that had got them to where they are now.

“I thought Dylan Cook's second half was exceptional, he really started to come into the game, but I don't think we had someone who was outstanding all day,” he said.

“I thought everyone stood up at different times and did their bit and that's the best thing about this group is they're quite even."

Mansfield coach Chad Owens had his team behind closed doors for a long time post match and revealed what he said to the players after the changeroom entrance opened.

“We just spoke about what we are doing well and what we need to do better,” Owens said.

“It was about taking ownership of each other in terms of your role within the team and what you need to do in order to make sure the team performs better.

“Everyone got the same message about where they are at at the moment.

“It wasn't harsh or anything, it was just this is where we are at.”

Owens said late goals in the second and third quarters cost them the most.

“The last five minutes of the second quarter and the last five minutes of the third quarter was what really killed us,” he said.

“They kicked the last two goals before half-time and the last two goals before three-quarter time and all of a sudden those margins (got away from us).

“We just weren't good enough for long enough and that's the difference at the moment between the really top teams, which don't have those lapses that we have.”

Thomas Hedley also played a key role for the Lions, adding four majors to Seymour's tally.

For Mansfield, Kyle Emery kicked three and Patrick Marks booted two to be the Eagles’ multiple goal-kickers.

While he didn't have the greatest game, former AFL star Alex Rance enjoyed his time.

“I'm a little bit sore, blew off the cobwebs and it was a fun game to be a part of,” Rance said.

The pressure of the contest surprised the Richmond premiership player.

“It was more high pressured than what I thought, I was very impressed.”

Rance explained why he started forward rather than down back where he made a successful career at the top level.

“It was my first game back and trying to get the pace of the game and things like that and I just wanted something different because I've done that (defending) for so long.”

The All-Australian captain said he wasn't sure whether he would pull the boots on again post his AFL career, but playing with good friend Ben Clifton made it an easy choice.

“When I first got drafted to Richmond, Cliffo and I played in the VFL together when I was still learning my craft in the 2008, 2009 and 2010 and he's a teacher at my school,” Rance said.

“We have always kept in touch and he's a great character and great man and I just wanted to come out and have a kick with Cliffo.”

Rance said it was a one-off appearance at this stage, keeping the door ajar for a possible late season return.

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