Shepparton’s Luke Smith produced a faultless first-quarter display en route to a 40-point victory over Seymour at Deakin Reserve in the Goulburn Valley League.

The Bears charges ran out 13.14 (92) to 7.10 (52) winners, with their fast start proving the difference despite a spirited fightback from the visitors.

Both sides entered the clash off strong Round 1 performances but it was Shepparton that settled quicker, controlling territory and possession early.

Smith looked lively from the outset and opened the scoring inside four minutes and added two more goals in a commanding opening term.

Backed by four behinds, the Bears surged to a 3.4 (22) to 1.0 (6) lead at quarter-time, looking the more polished outfit around the contest.

“He’s an unreal footballer, very crafty and very smooth — it looks like he’s got all the time in the world when the footy’s in his hands,” teammate Kade Odwyer said of Smith.

Seymour showed greater intent in the second quarter, applying more pressure and generating repeat forward entries.

Dylan Cook and Riley Mason also supplied goals to help to narrow the margin, with the Lions closing to within six points midway through the term.

However, just as momentum threatened to swing, Shepparton responded.

Odwyer kicked a crucial goal to steady the ship, before Trent Herbert followed up soon after to increase the deficit.

The Bears took a 6.5 (41) to 2.4 (16) advantage into half-time, having weathered Seymour’s surge.

Odwyer, playing just his second game for the club, was influential with three goals and strong work rate throughout.

“Last week it took me a while to adjust, but I feel this week I settled a lot more. Credit to the boys, they’ve been so welcoming,” he said.

Seymour again challenged in the third term, producing its best quarter of the match with 4.2 (26) to briefly apply pressure.

Still, Shepparton did enough to maintain control, extending its lead to 9.9 (63) to 6.6 (42) at the final change.

“They had that third quarter on us, they worked harder than us, it was as simple as that,” Odwyer admitted.

The Bears responded strongly when it mattered most, dominating the final term with four goals to one to put the result beyond doubt.

Goals to Jacob Watts, Anthony Andronaco and Noah Muir ensured the margin pushed beyond 40 points in the closing stages, while Seymour’s only late reply came through Jaron Murphy.

“In the fourth quarter we went out hard and won that footy back, which was good to see,” Odwyer said.

Smith finished with three goals, while Odwyer also booted three of his own in an impressive display so early on in his Bears career.

Moreover, Lachlan Ludeman also starred and added three majors in a strong all-round attacking performance.

Shepparton now boasts a 2-0 record for the season, building strong momentum in its infancy ahead of a tougher test on the road next week versus Mooroopna.

“As long as we keep that momentum and keep hunting the footy, we’ll be alright,” Odwyer said.

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Saturday, 1st January 2028

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