Davey and Fuhrmeister to lead Lions in 2024

On the eve of finals, the Seymour Lions have locked in their 2024 Senior football and A Grade coaches with Ben Davey and Ellie Fuhrmeister recommitting for another season.


With all senior football and netball sides having secured a finals berth, the reappointments come off the back of an unprecedented clean sweep of netball premierships in 2022 and Seymour’s two senior football sides finishing the home and away season in the top two.


Both coaches have built strong records at the club with Ben Davey a dual senior premiership player in 1991 and 2005 in addition to coaching a Reserves premiership in 2006. Following his playing career, Davey spent time coaching at the Murray Bushrangers and North Melbourne.


Fuhrmeister is a three-time A grade premiership player and GVL representative with experience coaching every senior and junior grade at the club, all while having played more than 200 games at the Lions.


Seymour President Gerard O’Sullivan said the club was thrilled to have both coaches recommit for the 2024 season.


“Ben and Ellie have played a massive role in our recent success and we’re delighted they’re back on board for 2024,” Mr O’Sullivan said.


“Our netball program has been incredibly well run and coached, evidenced by the remarkable three premierships we took home from Deakin last year.


“Ben has put together a really special group of footballers and we look forward to them having a red-hot crack in September.


“We couldn’t be happier to have Ben and Ellie back next year while being incredibly excited about what’s to come across the finals series.”


Ellie Fuhrmeister said she was looking forward to a big September campaign and the ongoing development of the club’s netballers.


“We’ve got a huge finals series coming up for the netballers with plenty of stiff competition across the league,” Ms Fuhrmeister said.


“We’re coming into the next few months extremely motivated and there’s no room to get complacent. We’ve got a great group and I’m excited about what we can achieve together.


“I’m looking forward to continuing to support our junior sides, watch their development and support them as they become senior netballers.”


Senior coach Ben Davey said the club was in a strong position, with only one game lost between the Seniors and Reserves in the 2023 Home and Away season.


“We’ve got a really strong young group of footballers who enjoy each other’s company. It makes the club a great place to be,” Mr Davey said.


“Importantly our depth and numbers across the reserves means we’ve got plenty of blokes around the club who can step up to senior footy at any time.

 

 “Everyone is pulling in the same direction, and I know our senior side has got some entertaining and hopefully very successful footy ahead of it.


“No matter what happens this September, I’m excited to be back on board for 2024 and pushing this group to keep improving.”

Seymour FNC News

Preliminary Final Netball Reports

September 15, 2025
O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 38 def Rochester 24 The first quarter started with great intensity as the momentum swung back and forth. The Lions had a terrific second quarter and changes helped the team push just in front at the main break. Confident shooting from Shona Gesler, Chloe Locke and Mia Allen added scoreboard pressure. Grace Barry was doing a thankless task at keeping her opponent limited. Well done girls on booking your spot in the Grand Final! Seymour Hardware Group B GRADE Seymour 43 def Euroa 42 The whole game both teams were evenly matched. The Lions went into the second half of the game five goals down. With a few changes late in the game the Lions were able to get the upper hand and win by a goal. Our pressure in defence was amazing. Everyone did a great job. See you in the Grand Final next week! Beer Auto Group Seymour A GRADE Seymour 34 def by Euroa 73 The match began with a thrilling exchange of goals, as both teams showcased their determination. Euroa quickly capitalised on the Lions' early misses, establishing an early lead. In response, the Lions implemented a catch-up strategy, making early substitutions to utilise their bench effectively and minimise the damage. Despite their efforts, Euroa demonstrated their status as the reigning Premiers of 2024. Sarah Szczykulski was a standout in defense, working tirelessly to thwart Euroa's advances, while Ally Black excelled in the midcourt, delivering precise passes to Ruby Martin. Martin showcased her shooting skills, converting opportunities with remarkable accuracy. Although the Lions faced a heavy loss, which was not the desired outcome for the conclusion of the 2025 season, there is optimism for the future. The development of the younger players within the squad offers hope that the Lions can emerge as strong contenders in the GVL moving forward.

Reserves Preliminary Final Football Report

September 14, 2025
O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 6.5.41 def Mansfield 4.4.28 After a tough defeat against Kyabram last week, the Reserves were ready to take advantage of their second chance to book their place in the Grand Final. Mansfield had the wind advantage in the first quarter, making plenty of the play but they were held goalless by a determined Seymour backline. In the second term the game remained even, with neither team able to gain the upper hand before Seymour took the lead late in the third, a lead they did not relinquish for the remainder of the game. Curtis Powell was dominant through the middle of the ground, backing up his ball winning prowess with a couple of crucial goals. Alex Elliott continued his solid finals form with another strong performance, while Nick Dundon provided run and carry all day, driving the Lions into attack. Down back, Scott McMaster and Sam Fuhrmeister repelled countless Mansfield entries, intercept marking at will, with McMaster running hard of half back. A great win ahead of a massive rematch against Kyabram in the Grand Final.  Best: C Powell, A Elliott, N Dundon, S McMaster, S Fuhrmeister Goals: C Powell 2, J Davey 2, W Le Deux 1, J Radford 1

Semi Final Netball Reports

September 9, 2025
O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 36 def by Euroa 45 A super effort from the Lions. They fought to the end in a very contested game. Shona Gesler was steady as always in goals and Mia Allen entered the game with energy. Chloe Locke asserted her dominance at both ends of the court and the team put in an effort they should be proud of. Euroa were too strong in terribly wet conditions. Seymour Hardware Group B GRADE Seymour 51 def Swans 37 The first quarter was goal for goal, with the Lions holding strong to stay in touch. We applied full court pressure leading to multiple turnovers, allowing us to bring the ball to our shooters. Our defence was solid with Toni Bootland getting her hands on everything. It was a great game to watch. The girls were super and played for each other. Well done Beer Auto Group Seymour A GRADE Seymour 32 def by Bears 42 The Lions had a strong first quarter, playing strategically. Ruby Martin and Sarah Szczykulski applied all the pressure defensively, keeping their opponents out of the game early. Ellie Fuhrmeister and Ally Black worked well to create movement in the goals. Lucy Zotti was a workhorse in the middle of the court but the Lions weren’t able to stay with the Bears late in the game. The girls have another chance next week to make it into the Grand Final.
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