Seymour Football Netball Club’s fourth annual Breast Cancer Network Australia, BCNA, afternoon tea raised more than $13,000 for breast cancer research on Saturday.
While the total figure is yet to be finalised, nearly 200 tickets were purchased for ‘Sarah’s Day,’ in honour of the late Sarah Locke who lost her courageous battle with breast cancer just over a year ago, and Kings Park was awash in pink to support the cause.
Seymour president Gerard O’Sullivan paid tribute to the Locke family for their support of the afternoon.
“The Locke family are an integral part of our club – Stuart is a life member, Chloe and Sophie have played here since they were kids – and as a netballer and volunteer, Sarah was a constant around Kings Park,” he said.
“Through such a difficult period the Lockes have been determined advocates for breast cancer research, raising awareness and being so giving with their time and energy.
“Sophie is doing amazing work as an ambassador for BCNA and Stu Locke’s pink bus has been easy to spot around town.
“We can’t thank them enough for allowing us to honour Sarah today and we hope the afternoon has done her legacy in our community justice.”
Mr O’Sullivan thanked the club and community for rallying behind the event.
“The amount of work put in to get this event of the ground is amazing and I’d like to thank everyone involved on behalf of the Seymour Lions and the broader community,” he said.
“It’s an honour to be part of a such a selfless community and a club where people never hesitate to help out the town, particularly over the last 12 months with a difficult flood clean up and then events like this.
Mr O’Sullivan thanked Tatura Football Netball Club, who the Lions played on Saturday, for being so flexible and throwing their support behind the day.
“Everyone across our community has been touched by cancer in some way and it’s just incredible to see how giving everyone is and how supportive this town is,” he said.
“This is what footy clubs are all about. Supporting one another, bringing people together and strengthening communities. We’re determined to keep growing this day in honour of Sarah and raise as much money as we can to support breast cancer research.
“From everyone at the Seymour Lions, thank you for your support and we can’t wait to do this all again next year.”
Footballers celebrate milestones
Seymour stars Jack Murphy and Ben Rigoni celebrated individual milestones in Seymour’s 23-point win over Tatura on Saturday.
The Lions led at every change, with Rigoni, Nathan Beattie, Joshua Alford and Riley Mason dominated.
Murphy, who won Seymour’s best and fairest award in 2022, alongside the Shepparton News Award for best player in the Goulburn Valley League, GVL, in 2022, played his 100th senior game.
Murphy has continued his strong form in 2023, balancing on field duties with an assistant coaching role.
Rigoni, the GVL’s reigning Morrison Medallist played his 50th senior game for the Lions, having spent time across the season playing in the VFL with the Coburg Lions.
Mr O’Sullivan congratulated the players on their milestones.
“Jack and Ben have consistently sat amongst the top players in the competition. It’s great to know we’ve got them running out together most weekends,” he said.
“Both these boys have experience playing in the VFL, following their time coming up through the under 18s at Seymour.
“These milestones are testament to their dedication and loyalty to the club. We hope there are many more to come and hopefully a few big performances throughout September.”
The Lions play Shepparton in their final home and away round for the season, before being a serious threat in the finals.
Seymour second on the ladder, behind Echuca on percentage only. Seymour’s A Grade netballers are third on the ladder, after a loss to Tatura on Saturday. All three senior netball teams will feature in the finals.
