Returning to the pointy end of the ladder is no doubt a big goal for the Lions in 2025 and, judging by the recruits they’ve managed to add over summer, they are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of finals football.
Chief among the additions is Tom Jeffrey, a 186cm utility with high level footy under his belt, having previously played for the Brisbane Lions reserves in the now defunct NEAFL and Aspley Hornets in the VFL.
Sam House also finds himself at the Lions having been on a VFL list, spending 2024 as a member of the GWS Giants reserves while also playing for Hurstbridge in Northern Football League.
He will bolster the forward line at Kings Park alongside another pair of recruits in Cam Osmond and Tom Gawthrop.
Osmond makes his way to Seymour from Lancefield/Assumption College and will provide some versatility inside-50 with the ability to play multiple roles, while Gawthrop, a hulking 196cm key position player, can be used at either end of the ground.
Reigning Kyabram District League best-and-fairest Rielly Old has made the move from Nagambie, with the big-bodied mid looking to continue his stellar run of form in the GVL.
The Lions have also added the services of Lachlan Beattie, the brother of reigning club best-and-fairest Nathan, who will help shore up the defensive end after crossing from Yea Tigers.
Having also retained the majority of the players that took to the field last season, the Lions are optimistic that they have the right mix to go further in 2025.
“We had a bit of a mixed season last year with injuries and some lapses in games which cost us a place in the top six,” Seymour co-coach Jack Murphy said via a club statement.
“We’re pleased to have retained the majority of our squad from last season and, with a young list, there is still plenty of growth ahead.
“Thanks to some injuries, we were able to blood a lot of under-18s players in senior footy last year and it will be pretty competitive for spots come the start of the season.
“All our new recruits have great footballing experience and IQ and will add plenty to our senior squad.
“We’re still working on a few players and hope to have some announcements in the month ahead.
“We’re looking forward to getting through the rest of pre-season and putting our best foot forward in round one.”
Seymour isn’t the only club busy drawing new blood during the new year.
Tatura has added pedigree to the current Bulldogs list, signing malleable swingman Ben Darrou from Collegians in the VAFA.
Darrou was taken at pick 25 in the 2012 rookie draft by Richmond and, though, he didn’t feature in the AFL, the 31-year-old went on to play 47 games in the VFL before plying his trade in the SANFL.
It’s hoped he will bring experience to a Tatura side welcoming back a glut of players from a severely injury-stricken 2024.
Finally, Shepparton United has supplemented its tall stocks by bringing in 195cm key position talent Corey Reardon, who finished second in Yarroweyah’s 2024 best-and-fairest count.
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