Lucy Zotti was among the best in Seymour’s preliminary final loss. Photos: Megan Fisher.
Seymour’s super run in the Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball competition has come to a crashing halt, with the Lions bundled out of finals in devastating fashion on Sunday.
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Having failed to secure direct passage to the grand final after a second semi-final defeat to Shepparton, the Lions faced reigning premier Euroa at Deakin Reserve on Sunday afternoon in an attempt to secure the last remaining spot in the decider.
But a ruthless Magpies outfit handed Seymour a brutal 34-73 defeat, bringing the Lions’ 2025 season to a close.
Form was on the Lions’ side heading into the clash, with the last meeting between the pair in round 15 resulting in a 16-goal victory to Seymour, a result which formed part of a brilliant run to finals that saw the Lions win nine of their last 10 and draw the other.
However, Euroa didn’t even let Seymour get close on Sunday, with the Magpies streaking away after an opening exchange, leaving a stunned Lions side reeling at quarter-time after conceding 15 of the final 16 goals of the quarter to trail 5-20 at the first break.
Sarah Szczykulski was a standout in defence for Seymour against the Magpies.
It was a much more competitive start to the second quarter for the Lions, who were able to match Euroa around the court for the opening part of the term. However, the Magpies once again managed to extend the margin, firing through nine of the last 11 scores before half-time to lead by 21 at the main break.
Seymour suffered a further setback with the Magpies dominating the start of the third term to open up a game-high 26-goal lead.
While it obviously wasn’t the Lions’ day, they rallied to keep the margin at 25 goals, entering the final huddle down 25-50.
The loss was a disappointing end to an otherwise strong season for Seymour, with the Lions faithful having every right to feel optimistic ahead of the 2026 season.
With the result all but confirmed, Euroa used the final quarter to make a statement to the Bears, piling on the pain with a 23-9 final quarter to condemn Seymour to the eventual 39-goal defeat, a disappointing end to a season that otherwise should fill the Lions’ faithful with optimism ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Lucy Zotti and Ally Black were among the Lions’ best, with the pair working tirelessly in the midcourt, while Ruby Martin was utilised well at either end of the court and Sarah Szczykulski provided her typically strong defensive effort in the face of a formidable Euroa shooting pair.
With the 2025 season done and dusted for the Lions, attention now turns to next year, when they will be buoyed by the return of England international Elle Macdonald as head coach as they chase a return to the top step.
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