Lions re-sign stars for 2026
The Seymour Football Netball Club (SFNC) has announced its first re-signings for 2026 with a group of five key players putting pen to paper.
Current Senior Co-Coach Jack Murphy headlines the group, returning next season after a dominant year so far.
Fellow midfielders Nathan Beattie, reigning Senior Best & Fairest winner, and Nic Quigg, VFL listed inside mid, have also both signed on the dotted line.
Key forward Nathan Fowler will bring up 50 Senior games in his next outing for the Lions and will be back for his fourth year at The Den in 2026.
Rounding out the five is Huw Jones, who has missed the entire 2024 season after a knee reconstruction, but will be ready to go come Round 1 2026.
SFNC President Peter Elliott said these re-signings demonstrate the strong belief within the playing group about the list's potential.
“We’re thrilled to have these five boys back on board for next season. It sends a clear message that we’re serious about challenging the very best teams in the league,” Mr Elliott said.
“Jack Murphy has been outstanding as our Senior Co-Coach this year and his passion is unmatched. Nathan Beattie and Nic Quigg are star midfielders, and having all three on the park together will make us formidable in the middle.
“Nathan Fowler is a true heart and soul player and a key presence up forward. We also can’t wait to see Huwy running out again in 2026.
“While we’re out of finals contention this year, we’re focused on finishing the season strong and look forward to announcing more re-signings in the coming weeks.”
Seymour FNC News
Janelle Puppa Real Estate UNDER 18s Seymour 10.9.69 def Euroa 8.4.52 Best: J Mansfield, P Dixon, J Brock, B McCarthy, A Nash Goals: H Murphy 3, S Charles 2, B McCarthy 1, I Smith 1, H Thomson 1, J Mansfield 1 O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 9.9.63 def Euroa 1.2.8 The Lions welcomed back a large contingent of players from injury and the great Ben Clifton pulled the jumper back on for a game. Tom Gawthrop kicked the opening goal with a fantastic finish, only matched by some Dale Short magic a little later in the match. Gawthrop provided a strong presence around the ground on his return with Sam Thomson showing plenty of polish in wet conditions after also returning from injury. Likewise, Nic Davey on return showed plenty of dash and looked like he hadn’t missed a beat. Regan Gardner and Taiten Thomas put together trademark performances, typically hard around the contest. Euroa was never in the game with the Lions running the game out will to win by 55 points. Best: T Gawthrop, S Thomson, N Davey, R Gardner, T Thomas Goals: J Radford 2, D Short 2, T Gawthrop 1, J Davey 1, R Gardner 1, B Clifton 1, T Thomas 1 Seymour Club Seniors Seymour 3.8.26 def Euroa 3.6.24 The Seniors game was played in difficult conditions, only worsening as the rain continued to fall as the game progressed. The Lions got off to a strong start with some early girls, including a pearler from Cam Osmond to take a solid lead in the first term. In the second, the Lions kicked when ended up being their final goal of the match as the game tightened. The Lions were able to hold off Euroa, with Ben Cooney taking a huge pack mark near the conclusion of the game, enjoyed by all in attendance. Cooney finished best on ground with Lachlan Giles typically tough around the contest and Nathan Fowler providing a big target in tough conditions for key forward. Nathan Beattie and Jack Murphy continued their strong form with Beattie racking up 19 tackles for the day. The Lions will enjoy a week off before getting back into action. Best: B Cooney, L Giles, N Fowler, N Beattie, J Murphy Goals: N Beattie 1, D Davis 1, C Osmond 1
Australian Trenching & Excavations UNDER 15s Seymour 19 def by Euroa 60 The girls did really well to adapt to the multiple changes made throughout the game. Unfortunately, the girls were unable to adjust to the weather, not converting the ball down the court. Lily Tippett did amazing in the ring, collecting rebounds and shooting the ball well. Isabel Meller created many turnovers, with Olivia Cleave taking on feedback and adjusting her position on her goalers. Whistle Award: Lily Tippett Canteen Award: Olivia Cleave Trawool Shed - Cafe, Cottages & Restaurant UNDER 17s Seymour 36 def Euroa 33 Lilli Kelly played her best game of the season yet. She had so many spoils and took some key turnovers which was crucial in the dying minutes of the game. Taylah Mason worked hard in the middle of the court. She made some hard drives and directed the play well. Ivy Watson did well to create pressure. Ivy chased all the loose balls and gave 100%. O’Sullivan Builders Award: Lilli Kelly Inari Sushi Award: Taylah Mason Umpire’s Best: Taylah Mason O’SULLIVAN BUILDERS B RESERVE Seymour 37 def Euroa 30 Some terrible weather slowed the game down. Ruby Trimble and Casey Drummond were in every contest. Shona Gesler and Chloe Locke combined beautifully to score some awesome goals in the wet. Layne Lewis fired at WA with some great feeds and attack. Euroa challenged the Lions as expected with some great contest across the court. Rooks Pizza Award: Casey Drummond Umpire’s Best: Ruby Trimble Seymour Hardware Group B GRADE Seymour 36 def by Euroa 42 The first quarter saw plenty of play at both ends with each side evenly matches. After being down in the first half the Lions found some flow in the middle court but unfortunately we could not get over the line in the extremely wet weather. Bad luck girls. Went down by six goals in the end. Café 96 Award: Andrea McKenzie Beer Auto Group Seymour A GRADE Seymour 51 def Euroa 35 The Lions displayed great patience with the ball to carry it down the court. Amazing connection between Ruby Martin and Sarah Szczykulski to hold up Euroa’s goalers. Lucy Zotti and Casey Adamson in the box added lots of pressure. Rosie O’Sullivan stood out for her vision into the ring and excellent passing. Umpire’s Best: Ruby Martin
Janelle Puppa Real Estate UNDER 18s Seymour 7.4.46 def by Mansfield 9.9.63 Best: J Mansfield, D Davis, B McCarthy, C Baumann, H Murphy Goals: J Mansfield 4, C Baumann 2, R Powell 1 O'Keefe's IGA Seymour Reserves Seymour 4.10.34 def Mansfield 5.3.33 The Lions were set up for a big clash against a side sitting above them on the ladder and started strongly. Two goals in the first quarter allowed the Lions to get the lead early, before Mansfield kicked three in the second to take control of the game. While the Lions dominated a lot of the play, they were unable to convert on the scoreboard with scores tied deep in the final term. A point from Jack Radford with just 15 seconds to go was enough to get the Lions over the line. Taiten Thomas was tenacious in his attack on the footy and showed great leadership around the ground, well supported by Max McLean who worked tirelessly all day. Joel Durham continued his hot run of form with Jonty Mann also playing a strong game. Jack Davey made a strong return from injury, kicking a goal and bringing strong presence. Best: T Thomas, M McLean, J Davey, J Mann, J Durham Goals: M Itter 1, R Gardner 1, J Mann 1, J Davey 1 Seymour Club Seniors Seymour 11.19.85 def Mansfield 20.4.124 The Lions knew they were up for a fight against a strong Mansfield line up but got off to a fantastic start with five first term goals. Roles were reversed in the second, with Mansfield kicking seven goals straight before the Lions got back in the game in the penultimate quarter. Another seven goal quarter in the last allowed Mansfield to get away with a comfortable win. Inaccurate kicking cost the Lions with 30 scoring shots to Mansfield’s 24. Cooper Holdsworth-Rose played a fantastic game in defence, with James Wooster also showing plenty of leadership behind the ball in a strong game. The midfield combo of Nathan Beattie, Jack Murphy and Lachlan Giles worked hard all day, with Giles continuing to boost his output every week. The Lions now look forward to taking on Euroa at home. Best: C Holdsworth-Rose, J Wooster, N Beattie, J Murphy, L Giles Goals: C Osmond 3, N Fowler 2, L Lubeck 2, R Kennedy 2, J Murphy 1, R Schraven 1