But in a Seymour side stacked with defensive prowess, the Lions had their stalwart duo of Sarah Szczykulski and Nakita Singe to thank on Sunday as Seymour stormed to back-to-back Goulburn Valley League premierships over Shepparton United.
As they have done all season, Szczykulski and her defensive partner combined beautifully in the Lions’ defensive ring, coming up with numerous intercepts and rebounds to make life difficult for the Dees’ shooters.
A core member of Seymour’s 2019 premiership side, Szczykulski said after a COVID-19-affected three years, the Lions’ most recent premiership on the Deakin Reserve courts had felt like a distant memory.
“It’s absolutely crazy, it’s so good to get this after a couple of years without having finals,” she said.
“I was trying to think of the last time we’d played a final and I realised it was 2019, it is quite strange it was so long ago.
“To come back and win again is extra special, it’s amazing to do it with this group of girls.”
Seymour’s grand final experience, and Szczykulski’s growing resume at the elite level, looked to put the Lions in good stead on the big stage, challenged by a Demons outfit hungry for 2019 redemption.
“It was really tough throughout the whole game,” Szczykulski said.
“Shepparton United always find a way to come back and come back hard.
“We knew we had to just keep riding the wave and getting the tips, chasing it down and getting all of the little one percenters. We knew we couldn’t let that slip or they’d pounce on us.”
Tasked with limiting the influence of star goaler and Wellman Family medallist Jessie Barnes, Szczykulski had a big job to do on Sunday.
And to the surprise of few, the Lions’ star goal keeper rose to the challenge, leaving Deakin Reserve with the best-on-court medal for her efforts.
“Jessie’s a great player, she’s really smart with her set-up and is also super strong,” Szczykulski said.
“That’s something I pride myself on, she’s just as strong as me, so I have to really battle hard.
“But I rely on everyone around me as well; it’s not just me, it’s Nakita, the girls on the edge of the circle, everyone.”
